ime RAISE THE BAR. COMMIT TO EXCELLENCE. To: From: Re: DR. MARGUERITE VANDEN WYNGAARD, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Board of Education, City School District of Albany Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D. Resignation As a leader grounded in faith, I have been in deep consultation with family and friends and will withdraw my name for any consideration in the extension of my contract. In order for a Board of Education and Superintendent to have a high impact to change the trajectory of learning for students and especially for those of color, we must be united in our focus, deliberate in our actions and trusting of each other to move mountains for our students. Clearly we are at an impasse and it is time for me to step aside so that you can continue in this new direction for the students of Albany. 1 am very proud of the efforts of all of the staff and their commitment to the work that we established including: Embedded professional development in the Studio classrooms model (190 teachers/2000 students) ‘Common language and expectations for learning walks and feedback for teachers Our enhanced early learning program for children as young as age 3 and the partnerships established committed to meet our expectations for kindergarten readiness. Rapidly engaging with Common Learning Standards and accelerating access for our teachers beginning in 2012. The use of NWEA-MAP data to progress monitor student academic success and the use of the Rubicon to create skill based individualized learning tools personalized for each student. ‘The use of NWEA-MAP student personal learning plan’parent guide so each family knows areas of strengths, weaknesses and how together they will work to help students achieve ‘The “newcomers program” identified in the 2013 plan and hopefully to fruition in 2016 to serve our accelerated and growing population of recent immigrant families. Currently we have 936 students and anticipate serving approximately 300 in this new program. ‘The overhaul of the Code of Conduct resulting in a dramatic reduction of students being suspended especially Black and Brown students. Refocused efforts for central office transformation to service centers for building principals versus compliance managers to meet external expectations. ‘The strategic partnerships including but not limited to : © The Office of the Governor: Mentorship design, training and delivery © The City of Albany, Mayor’s Office, Recreation Office: Albany Promise, Summer Program © The Chamber of Commerce: Capital Region Urban School District © The District Attorney Office, Anti-bullying, Athletics 1 AcaDewy Park « ALBANY, New York 12207, Puone: (518) 475-6010 « Fax: (518) 475-6014 EMAIL: MVANDENG' ALBAN X12.N¥.USJanuary 21, 2016 © State University of New York (SUNY): Albany Promise © University of Albany: Jnitial discussions about partnerships for neighborhoods as “hubs” for learning for students and adults, partners for Full-Service Community Schools. © The Albany Devils Hockey Team: Mayors Coats for Kids, free hockey tickets for families and fund raising opportunities for our district. © The NAACP and Urban League: focused on disproportionality of African American students in special education and discipline While in this brief writing I cannot identify all of the partners, I said when I arrived that we as a district cannot be successful without partners and I thank all of them, It is with great humbleness that 1 want to thank the community of leamers which is the City School District of Albany for their faith in me, commitment to staying the course and the innovation that continues to occur. I am thankful that Dan Egan and the Board of Education in 2012 took a chance and for that 1 will be etemally grateful. The City Schoo! District of Albany has great potential and we just have to decide that we are going to change and challenge the trajectory for our kids, You have the potential and if you find the will, I cannot wait to watch as a parent and as your former leader. Stay strong and thanks. Sincerely, Marguérit