Barber named academy principal of Albany International Center

Veteran administrator Julie Barber has been named an academy principal for Albany International Center AIC).
 
Her appointment became effective Oct. 5.
 
Barber assumes oversight of students in grades 9-12 originally assigned to AIC, a program that provides specialized instruction in English to refugee and immigrant students while they gain academic skills in the core subjects of math, science, social studies and English language arts. 
 
In addition, Barber’s duties as AIC academy principal include staff supervision and evaluation, and student discipline. She will work closely with the City School District of Albany’s Department of English as a New Language and Refugee Services.
 
AIC was a transitional program for students in grades 6-12 housed at North Albany Academy. Due to funding cuts caused by the economic impact of COVID-19, the district restructured the program as one of several measures aimed at addressing a loss of $20 million or more in state funding.
 
The pared-back program now serves students in grades 9-12, and Barber is based at Albany High. AIC students attend school virtually, as do all other district students in those grades.
 
Before her new assignment, Barber was principal of North Albany Middle School. Prior to that, she was principal of Albany High’s Innovation Academy for many years.