Student Members Join Board of Education

October 11, 2025 - 03:19

On Thursday, October 9, the City School District of Albany Board of Education officially welcomed its first student members: Albany High School seniors Cleana Brummell and Carmen Sampona. This initiative aligns with a statewide effort to involve students in educational governance, a law signed by Governor Hochul last fall.

Brummell and Sampona, both active leaders in student government at Albany High, will serve in an advisory, non-voting capacity. Their role is to represent the entire student body by attending and participating in bimonthly board meetings. Through their engagement, they aim to share insights and perspectives gathered from their interactions with peers across all educational levels within the district.

In preparation for their responsibilities, Sampona and Brummell have engaged in discussions with Principal Jodi Commerford and Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter, as well as completed a specialized training program designed for student board members throughout New York. Their commitment to this role reflects a dedication to shaping policies and programs that will positively impact students across the district. The board expresses pride in their selection and looks forward to their contributions.