Alexandra Streznewski selected as Board of Education president for 2013

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 3, 2013) – Alexandra Streznewski is the new president of the City School District of Albany Board of Education.

Streznewski, beginning her third year on the board, was selected unanimously by her peers at the board's Jan. 2 meeting at Albany High School. She served as board secretary in 2012.

Streznewski succeeds Dan Egan, who served as president for three years. Egan, who was sworn in Jan. 2 for a second term along with Rose Brandon, Th.D., nominated Streznewski as his successor. (Streznewski is at left in the picture, joining members of the Albany High School Chess Club and their faculty advisor Liz Gialenella, right, during the Jan. 2 meeting).

"I am feeling a groundswell of support for change at all levels throughout the district," Streznewski said. "There really is a sense of commitment to improving how we educate all of our students. There is growing support in our community. So I'm optimistic because I believe there is a will to change."

Streznewski also said the district has "a dynamic new captain at the helm" in Superintendent Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D., who succeeded Raymond Colucciello, Ed.D., in September.

Also at the Jan. 2 meeting, Ginnie Farrell was selected unanimously as the board's new vice president. It is the first time Farrell has served as a board officer. Dr. Brandon, who served as vice president for the past three years, was selected unanimously as secretary.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and nurture all students to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners to successfully compete in the global community by providing an academically rigorous and safe environment in partnership with parents, students and the community. The district serves more than 8,600 students in 15 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.