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Student leaders and Albany School of Humanities highlight attendance, arts and equity gains
Summary
Student representative and Albany School of Humanities staff reported improved operational measures (faster campus entry due to personal pouches), attendance incentives and rising NWEA gains. ASH leaders detailed demographics, arts participation and efforts to reduce absenteeism and increase student ownership; staff also asked for grant and PTA support to sustain magnet programming.
At the start of the board meeting, student leaders and Albany School of Humanities (ASH) staff presented updates on student experience and school programming.
A student representative described schoolwide measures that students say have had early success: issuing personal 'yonder pouches' has reduced replacement costs and shortened entry lines, and a hallway rule now requires metal water bottles to remain in bags while students move through corridors to promote safety. The student said the Falcon Pass — a proposed privilege tied to a minimum GPA and attendance — is being discussed to allow pass holders limited headphone use during lunch or study hall.
Principal Marie Cullahan and Assistant Principal Susanna Doyle presented ASH data: 429 students (10% Asian, 38% Black, 19% Hispanic, 11% multiracial, 22% White), 14% students with disabilities, 50% economically disadvantaged and 10% ELLs. They outlined three school goals this year — reducing absenteeism through equity‑driven approaches, strengthening formative assessment and increasing student ownership of learning — and highlighted arts programs, author visits, high parent conference attendance and a large turnout for a craft fair.
Cullahan said the school is pursuing grants and PTA fundraising to support magnet activities. Board members commended the presentation and asked for continued outreach to middle schools to ensure representative student voice on initiatives such as the Falcon Pass.
What happens next: Student government will invite representatives from other schools for broader feedback; ASH staff will continue grant and PTA coordination and return with updates on attendance and program outcomes.
