Dear ASH families,
It is with a very full heart that I share some bittersweet news with our school community. After much reflection and an incredibly difficult decision, I have accepted a district-level position in a neighboring school district and will be leaving Albany School of Humanities at the end of this month.
ASH has been my dream job and my second family for the past 10 years. There truly are no words that can adequately express how profoundly grateful I am for the love, trust, partnership and support you have given me throughout my time here.
I have had the privilege of watching our students grow, celebrating countless successes, navigating challenges together and witnessing firsthand what is possible when a school community comes together with one common purpose: doing what is best for children.
Leaving ASH is not an easy decision. In fact, it has been one of the hardest professional decisions I have ever had to make because this place – your students, your families and everyone in this incredible community – has become such an important part of who I am. But I leave with such tremendous confidence in ASH because of the exceptional and deeply committed faculty and staff members who will continue to serve you.
My last day at ASH will be Aug. 31. Kenneth Lein, Ed.D., who you know from his time with us this past school year, will step in as interim principal, effective Sept. 1, while the district begins a search for your next permanent principal.
I know this school will continue to ROAR. Please know that while my role and daily presence at ASH will change, my love for this school and all of the people who make it so special will not. I will forever be proud to say that I was the principal of Albany School of Humanities and, more importantly, that I was an ASH Dragon.
Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for challenging me. Thank you for believing in me. Most of all, thank you for the countless ways you have supported our staff and school community throughout the years.
Ten years. So many memories. So many children. So many moments that I will carry with me forever. I am leaving with a grateful heart, incredible pride and absolute faith in the future of ASH.
Keep ROARING, ASH families!
Once an ASH Dragon, always an ASH Dragon!
Marie Culihan
Principal