Albany Unified is fortunate to have a strong Board of Education, and January, Board of Education Appreciation Month, is an appropriate time to recognize their service. One of the things that drew me to Albany was the Board's strength and its clear commitment to thoughtful governance. I want to acknowledge our board members: President Joshua Mahoney, Vice President Dayna Inkeles, Becky Hopwood, Sadia Khan, and Melissa Boyd, each of whom brings deep care and commitment to guiding the District.

Board members serve as a key connection between the community and the District. They spend significant time listening to parents and community members, reviewing concerns, and weighing complex issues. They are responsible for approving the District’s budget and contracts and for adopting the policies that govern Albany Unified's operations. These responsibilities carry real impact, and our Board approaches this work thoughtfully, with students’ best interests at the center of their decisions.

I am grateful for their dedicated service and for the partnership they have offered me as a new Superintendent. Their guidance and support have been instrumental as we have launched specialized, dedicated time in our elementary schools for all students to receive instruction at their level of need, piloted a new elementary reading curriculum for adoption, and begun the Math Visioning process. I appreciate their careful questions, their perspective, and their steady leadership.

Looking ahead, Albany Unified will be in a unique position next November, with four Board seats on the ballot. Two members are completing their elected terms, and two current members were appointed following resignations. Those appointments extend only until the next election. I encourage community members to consider whether they or someone they know might be interested in serving. Candidates will need to apply to be on the ballot for the November election this summer.

Young Singers In Honor Choirs

Each year, the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) holds auditions for the National Children’s Choir. The Choir will perform at their annual conference in Chicago later this spring. A record number of fourth and fifth grade Albany students were selected this year. The 10 elementary students chosen represent 5% of the OAKE National Children's Choir of 200 students selected from hundreds of auditions across the country. Congratulations to each of these wonderful young singers! 

Cornell: Leyla Gaines (2nd year chosen), Tsetsengoo (Julie) Ramachandra, Maya Malady, Reina Cho, Lilly Ball, Martin Li, and Kaia Hendricks

Marin: Finnnian Burton

Ocean View: Abrielle Campbell and Kaleo Ramachandran

Congratulations also to AMS student JP Hilliard, who was selected for the OAKE National Youth Honor Choir.  This is a first for Albany to have a student in this choir.

Choir Leadership

Two Albany High students, Kalia Balagtas and Shayna Phillips, were selected for the California Choir Directors Association Choral Leadership Academy that took place last week. This event offers two days of musical and educational activities to students who demonstrate an interest in the music education profession. 

AHS Boys Soccer Team Wins League

Congratulations to Albany High School’s soccer team for their incredible 3-2 victory over Richmond on Tuesday, giving them first place in the Tri-County Athletic League (TCAL). Albany remains undefeated and will go on to regional competitions. Go Cougars!

With gratitude and optimism, 

Sara Stone

Superintendent

Albany Unified School District

Calendar Highlights: 

Please see messages from your school for complete information about events. 

• January 27:  Regular Board Meeting

• January 29: Left Behind, 5:30–7:30pm, Albany High School Little Theater

  • Register for free tickets here.

• February 4: Community Town Hall (combined with District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), 6pm, Zoom webinar, link will be provided.

• February 10:  Regular Board Meeting

• February 11: Community Town Hall (combined with Special Education Advisory), Zoom webinar, link will be provided.

• February 12: Black History Month Celebration, 6–8pm, AHS Little Theater and MPR

• February 24:  Regular Board Meeting

• February 25: Community Town Hall (combined with Student Achievement Committee), 6pm, Zoom webinar, link will be provided.