Summer school begins Monday, July 8
The City School District of Albany Board of Education has promoted veteran district educator Jodi M. Commerford to serve as the principal of Albany High School, her alma mater. The board approved Commerford’s appointment Thursday night.
An Albany native and a 1993 Albany High graduate, Commerford (at right in the photo with Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams) has served as an administrator at Albany High since 2011. She has served as the school’s second-in-command for the last two years.
“As I look forward, I believe that my background and experiences growing up in our city, graduating from this school and working for the district have provided me with the historical knowledge and competence not only to challenge myself, but to persevere in the critical work that lies before us – ensuring that all of our students and staff realize their full potential,” Commerford said.
Commerford officially will begin her duties later this month. She succeeds Dale Getto, who has served as Albany High’s interim principal for the past 2½ years.
The board selected Commerford following a national search last fall. A group of district staff, parents and community members interviewed six semifinalists in November. Three candidates advanced to final interviews in December.
Commerford has worked in the district for 18 years. She spent the first 13 years of her career as a teacher at New Scotland Elementary School. She earned her first administrative experience as the substitute principal at Pine Hills Elementary School in the fall of 2010 before moving to Albany High as the Discovery Academy principal from January 2011 until August 2016, when she was elevated to operations principal and, the following May, vice principal.
She has been part of an administrative team that has led school-improvement efforts that have resulted in a nearly 25 percent increase in Albany High’s graduation rate – from 50 percent for the Class of 2010 to 62 percent for the Class of 2016.
The State Education Department is expected to announce 2017 graduation rates later this winter.
Albany High also met all of its goals under the state’s receivership law last school year. Those goals included more students passing Regents exams, a higher graduation rate, improved safety and improved attendance
“I know we can continue to increase our graduation rate and ensure that our students leave us college and career ready,” Commerford said. “I know together we can continue to change the perception of Albany High, and make our school a place where the community knows we are successful and all of our students are successful – and truly live up to our motto, ‘You can’t hide that Falcon PRIDE!’”
Commerford earned a bachelor’s in elementary education at The College of St. Rose, a master’s in reading at the University at Albany, and professional school district leader and school building leader certifications at St. Rose.
The mission of the City School District of Albany is to work in partnership with our diverse community to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. 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.
