Superintendent's Executive Team

Rachel Laufer
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

Rachel Laufer has proudly served Harrison School District for 17 years as a teacher, instructional coordinator, principal, and now as the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. Mrs. Laufer supervises all 19 district schools and departments supporting teaching and learning in this role. While serving as the Principal at Sand Creek International, the school transformed from a traditional elementary to an IB School and expanded to develop a brand-new middle school. The school was recognized by being named a Center of Excellence three years in a row and earning the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award. Sand Creek was also chosen as one of the nation’s 25 most Innovative Schools and featured in a published case study by the Successful Practices Network and the School Superintendent Association.

In addition to two master’s Degrees in Curriculum and Special Education, she has completed two licensure programs focused on School Leadership and Superintendency. Mrs. Laufer was honored to be chosen as a finalist for the Colorado Springs Mayor’s Young Leaders Award and a finalist for Principal of the Year in Colorado. While Rachel lives and breathes her work in Harrison, in order to find some balance in life, she enjoys escaping into the mountains while RVing and off-roading with her husband (whom she has known since Kindergarten) and a herd of dogs (primarily corgis), or you might see her around town working in her husband’s food truck.

Mike Claudio
Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Support Services

Mike Claudio has served Harrison School District Two for 16 years as an Assistant Principal, Principal, Student Support Officer, and now as the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Support Services. He oversees professional development, student support, induction and mentoring, and technology infrastructure. Mike works tirelessly to improve systems by questioning the “why” in our processes. Additionally, he co-facilitates the Equity Council to bring awareness to biases and remove barriers that hinder students.

When not at work, he loves to run and has started paddleboarding with his wife, Carla, and their adult children.

Shelley Becker
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services/CFO

Shelley Becker was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the District in June 2016. Previously, Ms. Becker has served as Chief Financial Officer of Adams 12 Five Star Schools; Director of Accounting, Budget and Student Data and Information Systems for the Douglas County School District; and Director of Finance for Bennett School District 29-J.

Shelley has held several leadership positions with Colorado school district professional organizations, including serving as the large district representative to the State Department of Education’s Special Education Fiscal Advisory Committee. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Association of School Business Officials and is currently Past President of the Board of Directors for Colorado Association of School Executives – Department of Business Officials.

Shelley earned her Bachelor’s degree in accounting and management from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado-Denver.

Christine O’Brien
Public Information Officer

Christine O’Brien joined the D2 team in 2012 after serving 20 years in the nonprofit community of Colorado Springs. She has filled the roles of Development Director, Chief of Staff, and now the Public Information Officer for the District. Christine’s passion for connecting the community to D2’s awesomeness, mentoring students and staff, and working with the media and the Communications Department to share all the positive stories happening in the District bring her great joy.

Sometimes described as an extroverted introvert, Christine works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that others are recognized for their contributions to the D2 success story. She works collaboratively with her staff and the Executive Team to elevate others and serve departments and schools. 

Christine believes in being of service and currently represents the District on three nonprofit boards: Chairman of The UC Health Southern Colorado Foundation Board, The Colorado Springs Conservatory Board, and the Mindfulness and Positivity Project Board. She also actively volunteers with groups she believes in! 

When Christine isn’t working or serving locally, she is all about her family. She and her husband, Paul, enjoy their two adult children, Christine’s parents, and a big Irish family. They can be found enjoying mountain time most weekends, whether hiking, fly fishing, or skiing.

Katherine Ritchie Rapp
General Counsel

Katherine Ritchie Rapp joined Harrison School District Two in May of 2023. Prior to joining District Two, Mrs. Ritchie Rapp served as the Ombudsperson for Colorado Springs School District 11. Previously, she was a prosecuting attorney with the Colorado Springs City Attorney’s Office.

Katherine works closely with various departments in District Two, assisting with legal issues including Board of Education procedures and policies, contract drafting, attending to due process matters, as well as Title IX compliance. She is the co-Title IX Coordinator for District Two, focusing on student complaints. She has also completed mediation training through the Colorado Bar Association.

Katherine earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, and a law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston. When not a work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, hiking, camping, and attending sporting events and concerts.