Community forum Nov. 6 on Albany High principal search

The City School District of Albany invites all families and community members to a forum at Albany High School on Monday, Nov. 6 to talk about the national search for the high school’s next principal.

The community forum will be held in Albany High’s Discovery/Leadership cafeteria from 6-7 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the search process and timeline, and to provide input on the qualities and characteristics they believe are most important in Albany High’s leader.

The district also will take advantage of events already on the calendar to give families and community members additional opportunities to weigh in. Staff met with families at Albany High's Parent University meeting Oct. 23. There are two additional opportunities coming up:

• Wednesday, Oct. 25 – Edmund J. O’Neal Middle School of Excellence Parent University, 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 1 – William S. Hackett Middle School PTA meeting, 7 p.m.

Albany High also is scheduling student forums during the school day Oct. 30 and Nov. 3 to allow students to provide their input on their next principal.

An online survey is available if you would like to provide your input that way. Click here to take the survey. You also can call the Communications Office at (518) 475-6068 if you would like a paper copy of the survey mailed to you.

All the information collected will be used to inform interview teams, which will include staff members, families and community members.

The selection process timeline follows:

• Oct. 10: Position posted both internally and externally
• Oct. 17: Community feedback period begins
• Nov. 10: Deadline for applications; community feedback period ends
• Nov. 14: Initial meeting for all members of the involvement teams
  • Assistant superintendent reviews expectations and process
  • Director of human resources reviews interviewing protocols
  • Involvement teams select a team leader
• Nov. 20:  Assistant superintendent and involvement team leaders identify candidates to interview
• Nov. 29-30:  Involvement teams interview candidates
  • Involvement teams identify candidates who meet the expectations
  • Involvement team leaders meet with assistant superintendent to present and discuss findings
• Dec. 1:  Director of human resources presents results of reference checking to assistant superintendent
• Dec. 5:  Cabinet and representatives from the Board of Education interview finalists and make selection
• Dec. 14: Board of Education appoints new high school principal
• Jan. 29: New high school principal begins transition period with Interim Principal Dale Getto

The new Albany High principal will replace Getto, who is retiring at the end of the current school year.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and prepare all students for college and career, citizenship and life, in partnership with our diverse community. The district serves nearly 9,700 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.