Albany board swears in new member, elects Tabitha Wilson president; community honors longtime attendee Freda Peretz

Tabitha Wilson was elected president of the Albany City School District Board of Education during the board’s organizational meeting and took the chair after a unanimous vote to install officers for the 2026–27 year. The board also swore in newcomer Serena White Lake and re‑administered the oath to Tabitha Wilson after her appointment.

The meeting opened with Board President Sreedu Chatur welcoming attendees, noting that agenda documents and a livestream were available at albanyschools.org/boe, and leading a moment of silence to honor community member Freda Peretz, who the board and public commenters described as a long‑time, outspoken advocate for students and racial equity in district policy. Public commenter Dahlia Herring called Peretz “a movement,” saying Peretz’s consistent presence and challenges to the board held officials accountable.

Superintendent Nikaya Hockrider briefed the board and the public on summer operations, including summer meal service at 11 schools and a summer backpack program running through Aug. 27. Hockrider said the district is expanding elementary transportation to serve nearly 500 additional students and reminded families that new transportation applications are due Aug. 3 so assignments can be made before school opens Sept. 4.

Procedural business moved quickly: the board adopted a routine consent agenda that included personnel actions and contracts without set‑asides. Several board members offered brief opening statements about priorities for the year, including student supports, equity, and continuing work with community partners.

The board adjourned after committee updates and a brief discussion of a proposed resolution on polling locations; formal votes on other agenda items are recorded elsewhere in the meeting record.