David Bernsley has been named principal of Tony Clement Center for Education.
His appointment became effective Sept. 29.
In his new post, Bernsley oversees students in grades 9-12 assigned to Clement, an alternative education program providing extra social-emotional support to help students succeed.
Bernsley remains principal of Edmund J. O’Neal Middle School of Excellence, as well. At both Clement and O’Neal, his duties include managing day-to-day operations, supervising and evaluating staff and disciplining students. O’Neal Assistant Principal Timitra Rose will assist Bernsley in his expanded duties at both schools.
Clement originally offered a variety of alternative education programs for students in grades 7-12 and was housed in its own building at 395 Elk St. Due to funding cuts caused by the economic impact of COVID-19, the City School District of Albany restructured the program as one of several measures aimed at addressing a loss of $20 million or more in state funding.
Clement now serves students in grades 9-12 in one of two remaining programs: Choices or Alternative High School. Students in both programs attend school virtually, as do all other district students in those grades.
As a result of the funding cuts, the former Middle School, Evening Tutorial Program at Abrookin and Night School at Albany High School programs were shuttered. Students in those programs moved to virtual learning at either their middle school or Albany High.
