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Reflections on a year of
progress, potential
As I near the end of
my first year as superintendent, I realize we have many positives to
build on.
This has been a very
good school year for us. Our achievements are many, including the
efforts – in partnership with the community – to restructure Albany High
School and district alternative education programs. Both are priorities
in our 2008 strategic plan, “A Vision for Tomorrow.”
At Albany High, our
effort to raise achievement for all students was well underway when the
state announced in January that the school is on a list of low-achieving
schools statewide.
You will see changes
at Albany High beginning in September, and our work to divide Albany
High into four smaller learning communities for 2011-12 will continue to
be a top priority.
We are hopeful state
and federal support will help us with this restructuring, and we look
forward once again to partnering with the community on this important
endeavor.
Our successes also
included the work of the Alternative Education Think Tank, which has
made great progress in assessing alternative education for students from
prekindergarten-Grade 12. Its recommendations on how we can provide
better programs and services will be vital as we reshape Albany High and
these programs district-wide.
I cannot emphasize
enough the importance of these two initiatives. You will hear more about
them in the coming months.
We know we must
improve our efforts to assure that all students have access to the
world-class programs and opportunities that define the City School
District of Albany and Albany High. Students who need more help must get
it.
This is our
responsibility to our community. It will define our work as a school
district not only in 2010-11, but in the years to come.
We also are proud to
recognize the members of the Class of 2010. Our seniors were accepted at
many of the nation’s top institutions of higher learning, again
demonstrating the talent and diversity of our graduates and programs.
And whether our
graduates head off to college, into the workplace or to serve their
country, we wish them great success and hope they will find that their
foundation in our school district has prepared them well.
Finally, I am
grateful for your support in May for our 2010-11 budget and our plans to
upgrade Albany High’s facilities and sell the former Philip Livingston
Magnet Academy.
While we were not
able to avoid difficult budget cuts, we have maintained nearly all
programs and services. Your support, especially in these difficult
economic times, means the world to us.
I am eager to
continue our work together for another year on behalf of our students
and families. My best wishes for a wonderful, safe summer.
Raymond Colucciello, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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