Dear Albany Unified Community,

From the earliest grades through graduation, music is an integral and deeply valued part of an Albany education. Yesterday, that excellence was recognized statewide when Craig Bryant, Director of Instrumental Music at Albany High School and orchestra teacher at Albany Middle School, was named the California Music Educators Association’s Band Educator Award recipient for 2025–2026. Mr. Bryant was selected for this prestigious honor from among all band directors across California. For many years, Mr. Bryant has encouraged students to take creative risks, practice with purpose, collaborate as a team, and experience the joy and discipline of making music together. I have personally experienced the magic of this music program and have seen firsthand how it builds confidence, belonging, and a deep sense of community for students. While the gratitude of his students speaks volumes, I want to personally thank Mr. Bryant for his inspired teaching, deep professionalism, and the lasting impact his work has had on so many young people. The life-changing power of music is evident in his classrooms and throughout our community. Congratulations, Mr. Bryant, and thank you for all you do for Albany students.

Budget Workshop Recap

On Tuesday, the Board of Education conducted a Study Session on Budget Development and Strategic Planning (view the video here). The study session provided a starting point for understanding the district budget, beginning with where our funding comes from and the planning timeline that leads to the Board’s adoption of the 2026–27 budget in June. Because the budget reflects our values and the commitments we make to students, it is important to me that our community understands how our goals and vision translate into real spending decisions. In February, we will host three Town Hall meetings to create space for learning, questions, and dialogue, and to invite community members into this work with us. In addition to the study session’s video record, you may also want to view this 5-minute video, AUSD Budget & Its Values, or visit the Current District Budget webpage for graphic visualizations of the process and our current budget spreadsheets. 

Counted Out & Math Visioning Process

On Wednesday, parents, teachers, and other Albany Unified staff gathered to screen Counted Out, a powerful and deeply emotional documentary that highlights how access to strong mathematics education is a civil right. The film underscores how central math is to opportunity and how systemic barriers can prevent students from ever seeing themselves as “math people.” This conversation connects directly to the work of our Math Vision Team, which met for its second session in December to examine the current state of math instruction in AUSD, identify strengths, and name challenges. The team will develop a clear Vision for Math Instruction and a multi-year roadmap to guide equitable and inclusive math learning for all students.

Dr. Martin Lurther King, Jr. Day of Service

Monday, January 19 is a federal holiday. All Albany schools and offices will be closed. It is the only federal holiday designated as a national “Day of Service” to encourage everyone to contribute to their communities through volunteer service. You may want to consider an activity from this excellent City of Albany webpage, or make a commitment to volunteer this year at a school. 

February is Black History Month, and Albany schools will be observing that through many classroom activities. The Black Parent Advisory Group is organizing Black History Month Celebration on Thursday, February 12 (see details below) under the theme: “A Century of Black History Commemorations”. This theme reflects on the power of remembrance and how commemorations have preserved truth, transformed identity, and inspired progress throughout the last century.

With gratitude and optimism, 

Sara Stone

Superintendent

Albany Unified School District

Calendar Highlights: 

Please see messages from your school for complete information about events. 

• January 19: MLK Day of Service Holiday, All Schools and Offices Closed

• January 27:  Regular Board Meeting

• January 29: Left Behind, 5:30–7:30pm, Albany High School Little Theater

  • Register for free tickets here.

• February 4: Community Town Hall (combined with District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), 6pm, Zoom webinar, link will be provided.

• February 10:  Regular Board Meeting

• February 11: Community Town Hall (combined with Special Education Advisory), Zoom webinar, link will be provided.

• February 12: Black History Month Celebration, 6–8pm, AHS Little Theater and MPR

• February 24:  Regular Board Meeting

• February 25: Community Town Hall (combined with Student Achievement Committee), 6pm, Zoom webinar, link will be provided.