Aldo Leopold Charter School Completes New Director Search
On Friday evening, April 14, the Aldo Leopold Charter School (ALCS) Governing Council unanimously selected Mark Forman as the school’s next Director.
The Governing Council selected Mr. Forman after a rigorous national search, two rounds of interviews, and input sessions with students, staff, and parents. Mr. Forman is currently the Director of the Cottonwood Valley Charter School in Socorro, New Mexico. Like ALCS, Cottonwood Valley is a public charter school, with similar student enrollment.
During his 12-year career, Mr. Forman has served as a teacher or administrator at every level of primary and secondary education -- Pre-K through high school. Starting as a Teach for America corps member, he has worked in Delaware, Harlem, NY, Dallas, and Española. He has extensive experience with Special Education programs, International Baccalaureate programs, and school risk management, and he has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational equity.
“The Governing Council was impressed by the strength of Mr. Forman’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education as well as his track record of enhancing instructional rigor at his schools,” said Council Chair Alexandra Tager. “We had a very talented pool of applicants, and it was difficult to choose from among them, but in the end Mr. Forman’s expertise and his experience guiding a small charter school through a difficult budgetary environment won out,” Tager said.
Mr. Forman holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University in Delaware and a Master’s in Teaching from the University of Washington – Seattle. He is an avid runner, traveler, and reader of literature, citing James Baldwin as one of his favorite authors. When asked about his experience interviewing at ALCS, Mr. Forman
stated, “I was impressed with the incredible degree of student and staff leadership during my visit and am really looking forward to joining the Aldo Leopold team and helping to build upon its already solid base.”
Mr. Forman’s current school won the New Mexico Science Olympiad competition this year. At Aldo Leopold, he will be taking over the reins of a school that has achieved an 80 percent proficiency rate in science, far exceeding the state average of 40 percent.
“People who have worked with Mr. Forman elsewhere noted his commitment to parent and community involvement in schools, as well as his genuine rapport with students,” said Governing Council Member Harry Browne. “At Aldo Leopold, Mr. Forman will find the kind of supportive school community and innovative educational approaches that match his skills and interests,” he added.
The Governing Council and Mr. Forman will begin contract negotiations imminently. Pending agreement, Mr. Forman will begin his new role on July 1, 2023.
The Governing Council selected Mr. Forman after a rigorous national search, two rounds of interviews, and input sessions with students, staff, and parents. Mr. Forman is currently the Director of the Cottonwood Valley Charter School in Socorro, New Mexico. Like ALCS, Cottonwood Valley is a public charter school, with similar student enrollment.
During his 12-year career, Mr. Forman has served as a teacher or administrator at every level of primary and secondary education -- Pre-K through high school. Starting as a Teach for America corps member, he has worked in Delaware, Harlem, NY, Dallas, and Española. He has extensive experience with Special Education programs, International Baccalaureate programs, and school risk management, and he has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational equity.
“The Governing Council was impressed by the strength of Mr. Forman’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education as well as his track record of enhancing instructional rigor at his schools,” said Council Chair Alexandra Tager. “We had a very talented pool of applicants, and it was difficult to choose from among them, but in the end Mr. Forman’s expertise and his experience guiding a small charter school through a difficult budgetary environment won out,” Tager said.
Mr. Forman holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University in Delaware and a Master’s in Teaching from the University of Washington – Seattle. He is an avid runner, traveler, and reader of literature, citing James Baldwin as one of his favorite authors. When asked about his experience interviewing at ALCS, Mr. Forman
stated, “I was impressed with the incredible degree of student and staff leadership during my visit and am really looking forward to joining the Aldo Leopold team and helping to build upon its already solid base.”
Mr. Forman’s current school won the New Mexico Science Olympiad competition this year. At Aldo Leopold, he will be taking over the reins of a school that has achieved an 80 percent proficiency rate in science, far exceeding the state average of 40 percent.
“People who have worked with Mr. Forman elsewhere noted his commitment to parent and community involvement in schools, as well as his genuine rapport with students,” said Governing Council Member Harry Browne. “At Aldo Leopold, Mr. Forman will find the kind of supportive school community and innovative educational approaches that match his skills and interests,” he added.
The Governing Council and Mr. Forman will begin contract negotiations imminently. Pending agreement, Mr. Forman will begin his new role on July 1, 2023.
Director Search Update: Saturday, April 15, 2023
Mark Forman Selected as Next School Director
After a comprehensive search for a new school director that began in February, on Friday, April 14, 2023, the Governing Council unanimously selected Mr. Mark Forman, who will begin work as our Director on July 1, 2023. His selection is contingent upon a background check and contract negotiations. The Governing Council was impressed with the large number of highly qualified candidates they considered and extend their appreciation to all candidates for their time and effort during the process. They also thank all the students, families, and staff that participated in the process and provided valuable input to help the council make a well-informed decision.
Dr. Anthony Smith will continue serving as the Aldo Interim School Director through June 30, 2023, and will be reaching out to Mr. Forman so he can hopefully spend some quality transition time at the school between now and the end of May. As these details are confirmed, the school will provide updates to the Aldo Community.
Dr. Anthony Smith will continue serving as the Aldo Interim School Director through June 30, 2023, and will be reaching out to Mr. Forman so he can hopefully spend some quality transition time at the school between now and the end of May. As these details are confirmed, the school will provide updates to the Aldo Community.
Mr. Forman is a staunch advocate of ensuring a high quality education, and the unlimited potential for opportunity as a result of it, is a reality for all learners. He has championed rigor, instruction aligned to real-world outcomes, the cultivation of a supportive and accountable climate, and meaningful personal development for the students and staff he has supported, spending the bulk of his career in high performing charter school settings.
Mr. Forman looks forward to supporting the students, staff, and community of Aldo Leopold in attaining the very best for each and every student the school serves.
Mr. Forman looks forward to supporting the students, staff, and community of Aldo Leopold in attaining the very best for each and every student the school serves.
Director Search Update: Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Aldo Leopold Charter School School Director Finalists - April 12, 2023
On Monday evening, April 10, 2023, the Aldo Leopold Charter School Governing Council interviewed five candidates for the School Director position and selected the three finalists. These finalists will be interviewing with students, staff, parents and the council tomorrow, April 13, 2023.
The Governing Council will be making a final selection decision either tomorrow night, or at a special meeting they have scheduled for Friday, April 14, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. The Council extends their appreciation to all stakeholders who have provided input during the search process and to those who will be participating in finalist interviews tomorrow.
On Monday evening, April 10, 2023, the Aldo Leopold Charter School Governing Council interviewed five candidates for the School Director position and selected the three finalists. These finalists will be interviewing with students, staff, parents and the council tomorrow, April 13, 2023.
The Governing Council will be making a final selection decision either tomorrow night, or at a special meeting they have scheduled for Friday, April 14, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. The Council extends their appreciation to all stakeholders who have provided input during the search process and to those who will be participating in finalist interviews tomorrow.
Dr. Richard Best
I was born in Evanston, Illinois. My mom was an AMAZING teacher. I LOVE to teach. I attended Amherst College and then followed my mother’s footsteps and taught middle and high school science/mathematics in a highly engaging and experiential manner. I attended Harvard University where I received my masters degree in Leadership. I moved back to Chicago serving as a principal. In my tenure there we received two Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence. In these schools I further developed my passion for outdoor education and experiential learning that has followed me throughout my career. I moved to Pennsylvania working with charter schools supporting principals and serving as a principal. I continue to work as a principal and manage by walking around, engaging with scholars, staff and parents. I believe that all scholars, staff, parents, board and community are stakeholders, individuals who have a voice in shaping the life of the school. I value their input, as I want to make the best decisions. I am passionate about this work and have an impeccable work ethic. I have known about Aldo Leopold Charter School for many years and am so excited at the prospect of joining your spectacular team.
Mark Forman
Mr. Forman is a staunch advocate of ensuring a high quality education, and the unlimited potential for opportunity as a result of it, is a reality for all learners. He has championed rigor, instruction aligned to real-world outcomes, the cultivation of a supportive and accountable climate, and meaningful personal development for the students and staff he has supported, spending the bulk of his career in high performing charter school settings. Mr. Forman looks forward to supporting the students, staff, and community of Aldo Leopold in attaining the very best for each and every student the school serves.
Hannah Wecks
Hannah Wecks has over 20 years of experience in education. She has taught everything from English as a second language, to computer applications, and even algebra. For the last eight years she was a school librarian and served on the governing council of ALCS before working at the school. She is currently the Student Success Coordinator for ALCS. She is enrolled in the Educational Leadership Master’s program at Western New Mexico University and holds a BA in English from Colorado State University, as well as being a graduate of the teacher endorsement program from Metropolitan State College of Denver. She and her husband moved to Silver City in 2005 to escape the urban sprawl of Denver. They have two daughters– one who graduated from ALCS and another who is a 9th grader at the school. Hannah enjoys traveling, hiking, birding, camping, and reading.
