Board of Education welcomes student members

On Thursday, Oct. 9, the City School District of Albany Board of Education officially welcomed its first student members -- Albany High School seniors Cleana Brummell and Carmen Sampona. 

Student representation on the board is part of a statewide initiative that Gov. Hochul signed into law last fall, and we are thrilled to have Brummell (center right) and Sampona (center left) as our inaugural student board members.

Already leaders in student government at Albany High, Brummell and Sampona will serve in an advisory, non-voting role on the board. They will represent the entire student body for the district by attending and participating in bimonthly board meetings. 

By sharing their informed perspective gained through thoughtful and strategic interactions with fellow students at the elementary, middle and high school levels, Brummell and Sampona hope their leadership can shape policies and programs that benefit students districtwide.

In preparation for their new role, Sampona and Brummell have spent time in conversation with Principal Jodi Commerford and Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter, and have completed a training developed to equip and empower student board members serving throughout New York.

We are proud of Brummell and Sampona for embracing this opportunity and know they will serve our school district with dedication and excellence.