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Parents urge board to restore Myers assistant principal and expand MTSS supports
Summary
A parent urged the board to reverse a decision to eliminate an assistant principal position at Myers Middle School; a representative of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council explained MTSS tiers and urged fidelity to evidence‑based Tier 1 instruction to reduce inappropriate special‑education referrals.
Two public commentators used the board's public‑comment period to raise concerns about staffing and supports.
Jim MacFaughn, a parent, said Myers Middle School is operating with "significant challenges" and objected to eliminating an assistant principal position without a clear plan to replace or replicate the supports the AP provides. MacFaughn said an assistant principal handles daily student supports — behavior, family communication, attendance, crisis response and special‑education coordination — and urged the board to "reconsider this decision and provide Myers Middle School with the staffing and support its students deserve."
Becky Zimmerman, speaking for the Albany Special Education Parent Advisory Council, described the district's multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS) and explained how Tier 1, 2 and 3 interventions are meant to identify students who need targeted assistance before referral to special education. Zimmerman stressed that high‑quality Tier 1 instruction should serve about 80% of students and that Tier 2 and Tier 3 provide more intensive, individualized supports. She urged the district to ensure MTSS is implemented equitably across schools to reduce inappropriate referrals to special education.
Board members did not take immediate action on the staffing concern at the meeting; the public comments were placed on record for board consideration and possible follow‑up with administration.
