Press Release: Albany Unified Selects New Superintendent

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2024

 

Sara Stone Appointed as Albany Unified School District Superintendent

Albany, California — The Albany Unified School District Board of Education is pleased to announce that Ms. Sara Stone has been selected as the District’s new Superintendent of Schools. The Board voted unanimously to approve Ms. Stone’s contract at the regular meeting of the Board of Education on October 22, 2024. She will begin her tenure on December 1, 2024.

 

Out of a distinguished group of twenty-three highly qualified candidates, Ms. Stone emerged as the Board’s top choice for Albany. The exceptionally large pool of applicants reflects Albany Unified’s reputation as a progressive district focused on academic achievement for all students. The Board's decision is a reflection of their lengthy and detailed interviews with candidates, study of each candidate's background, and input provided by the Stakeholder Panel, who also interviewed the candidates and conveyed their observations to the Board. 

An online survey and focus groups were held early in the search process to help define the qualities and characteristics of the ideal candidate, according to the community. These qualities and characteristics were then featured in the position description and aided the Board during their candidate evaluation. 

 

School Board President Vonnie Davidson stated, “Ms. Stone brings 29 years of experience as an educator and a proven track record of success in educational leadership. Her passion for high-quality, research-based instruction that develops academic, social, and emotional skills was a key factor in her selection as our next superintendent. She builds safe and inclusive environments where students engage in rigorous, well-rounded, and standards-aligned instruction. In her interview, it was clear that she is an empathetic leader with a clear vision who uses data, along with strong communication and relational skills, to drive continuous improvement. The Board is excited to welcome Ms. Stone to Albany Unified.”

 

Ms. Stone started her career in education as an elementary teacher, and has been a middle school teacher, principal, founding principal, Chief Academic Officer, and Network Superintendent. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Ravenswood City School District in East Palo Alto. Most of her professional career has been in the East Bay communities of Oakland and Alameda where her contributions have led to several schools receiving prestigious accolades, such as the National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School awards.

 

Ms. Stone earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of California, Santa Cruz, her Master’s in Teaching from John F. Kennedy University, Orinda, and her Administrative Credential from California State University, East Bay. She is currently enrolled in the Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD) Educational Doctoral program at the University of California at Berkeley. Her research focuses on strategies superintendents can employ to generate lasting transformational change at all grade levels. 

The District will host meet‐and‐greet opportunities for students, parents, staff, and community members to meet Ms. Stone in the coming months. 

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Published