The Albion Central School District Board of Education met on Monday, October 6, 2025, to outline the academic direction for the current school year. With the district serving approximately 1,700 students, administrators from the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools presented targeted goals aimed at addressing specific learning gaps revealed by recent state testing data. The meeting began with a moment of recognition for the Board itself. Superintendent Mickey Edwards thanked the trustees for their service, noting that New York State School Board Appreciation Week is October 13–17. Academic strategy took center stage as principals presented their "Building Goals," strategic objectives to be achieved by June 30, 2026. High School Principal Mrs. Jennifer Ashbery identified Algebra I proficiency as a primary concern. "Our recent Regents data shows we need some more efforts in the Algebra 1 area," Ashbery told the board. "This exam is required to graduate." To address this, the High School will focus on strengthening math instruction while simultaneously bolstering writing skills through "Writing Revolution" strategies in the English Department. Ashbery also detailed the expansion of the "Diploma Enhancement" program. As the state moves toward a single diploma type, students are increasingly relying on "seals" to distinguish themselves. Albion is utilizing the Local Civics platform to allow students to earn badges and seals in areas such as Arts and Civics. "They are already earning points," Ashbery explained, assuring the board that participation is integrated into regular class time and tracked by the guidance office. Middle School Principal Mr. Brad Pritchard highlighted a bright spot in his report: a 65% proficiency rate on state math exams. However, he noted that analysis showed students struggled specifically with short-constructed response questions. "When the staff sees each child write one sentence a day, they can see why we do this," Pritchard said, referencing a cross-curricular writing initiative involving the science and social studies departments. Elementary School Principal Mrs. Angela Conway focused on literacy recovery and student well-being. "The goal is to be more accurate in reading with focus on below or well below [grade level] measuring individual growth rate," Conway said. She emphasized that progress monitoring happens weekly to allow for quick adjustments. Conway also announced a new initiative to foster student leadership: "Eagle Nest News." The news crew meets daily before school to produce a video featuring announcements, birthdays, and interviews. Conway herself will appear on the broadcast every Monday. In personnel matters, the Board accepted the resignation of two staff members. To fill vacancies, the Board appointed Jessica Estela as the new Elementary School Registered Professional Nurse. Estela will start on November 5, 2025, with a salary of $48,000 plus a $1,000 RN stipend. The Board also approved hourly stipends for several co-curricular positions. Staff members working on the Middle School Multicultural Event in October and November will be paid $25 per hour. Similarly, the Middle School After-School Advisory program, scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from October to May, was approved with staff compensated at the same rate. Several appointments were made for the arts and athletics. Matthew Confer was appointed to three roles: Jazz Band A director, Musical conductor for grades 9-12, and Marching Band Director. Teressa-Jo Izzo was named Assistant Marching Band Director. In athletics, Zoe Marat was appointed as a volunteer volleyball coach, and Jennifer Knaak was appointed as Varsity Softball coach, pending her recertification in First Aid and CPR. Under new business, the Board approved the 2025-2026 Electric Bid and TIF participants for Fall 2025. They also accepted donations of school supplies for elementary students and a monetary donation for Orleans County Revolutionary War soldiers’ roadside markers. The next Regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:00 pm.