At the Feb. 2 Board of Trustees Work Session, Albany County School District #1 (ACSD#1) Superintendent Dr. Jubal Yennie announced his intention to resign following the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year, effective June 30, 2022.

“I am honored and proud to have served the Board of Trustees, the employees, students, and their families during my tenure with the school district since June 2015,” Dr. Yennie wrote in his resignation letter.

“Dr. Yennie has led ACSD#1 with exceptional leadership and a strong work ethic,” wrote Chairman Janice Marshall. “He has led with professionalism and integrity in the most trying time in public education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has sacrificed personal time, family time and his own well-being to selflessly serve the District.”

The Board of Trustees will begin to look for a professional search organization to assist with the search for a new Superintendent.

“Trustees Perea, Tangeman and I have gone through a superintendent search when Dr. Yennie was hired,” Marshall wrote. “We will use all that we learned to ensure a smooth process. I anticipate that the Board will meet frequently as we get a plan in place and go through the process. We will keep the community informed. As we did in the past, we will provide opportunities for involvement with forums to meet candidates. The Board will work diligently to find the next superintendent to lead this outstanding District of hardworking, skilled, resilient staff.”

Dr. Yennie’s tenure with ACSD#1 saw the District move forward in a number of ways. This progress included updating old policies, many of which had not been reviewed in 20 years. Now, ACSD#1 has consistent policies that are updated and in compliance with state statutes. The first Strategic Plan for the District was developed with Dr. Yennie’s leadership.
Dr. Yennie also implemented a year-round “Meet and Confer” process with employees.

During Dr. Yennie’s time in the District, the new Laramie High School opened its doors, and ACSD#1 is scheduled to open the new Slade Elementary School in July. Most recently, Dr. Yennie helped implement a new accounting software system. The Skyward System provides ready access to real-time data and streamlines accounting while promoting operational efficiency and data integrity.

“I will continue to serve the District for the next five months as I have done for the past six to seven years,” Dr. Yennie wrote to the Board of Trustees. “You can expect me to assist with the transition and preparation for new administration as you direct, and I endeavor to leave the District in excellent standing upon my departure.”

Dr. Yennie prioritized the creation of a caring culture throughout the District. Improvements to the personnel policies, including the Leave Policy, took several years of collaboration with a broad-based group of staff. The extensive District COVID Leave is second to none in caring for employees. The salary schedule was updated, and salaries were increased.

Staff and students have been empowered to excel and supported with the resources and tools they need to do their jobs.

In further efforts to support District staff, Dr. Yennie found ways to recognize and reward employees throughout the District. Each month at Board of Trustees Regular Meetings, Dr. Yennie distributes Outstanding Wisdom and Learning (OWL) recognitions to honor staff who go above and beyond for ACSD#1. The event formerly known as the “Employee Recognition” became the “Celebration Convocation.” This gala event is held at the end of each school year at The Hilton, and it is supported by donors personally recruited by Dr. Yennie.

“I am thankful for the leadership Dr. Yennie has provided for our District,” Marshall wrote. “In his remaining five months in the District, I am confident that he will continue to lead with energy and purpose. I wish Dr. Yennie and his wife, Denise, happiness and success in their future endeavors. I will be forever grateful for their service to ACSD#1.”

The next Board of Trustees meeting currently scheduled is for a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, February 9, at 7 p.m.