Aldo Leopold Charter School
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 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. 

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.
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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.

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. ​

Dr. Richard Best ​

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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

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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

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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.

Director Search

click here for : ​Position Announcement

The Aldo Leopold Governing Council has launched a formal process to search for the next Director of our great charter school. They are conducting a regional and national search to identify a qualified educator to fill this leadership role and are committed to a transparent and thorough process.
To assist with this process, the Governing Council has secured the services of a national search firm; Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA).  Mr. John Bash is serving as our lead HYA associate and began his engagement work with the school on Friday, February 10th hosting listening sessions with students, staff and parents during conference week.  He continues to conduct listening sessions with Governing Council members, additional staff, and other friends and partners of ALCS identified by school leaders.
Process Timeline The following search timeline provides an overview of the process HYA continues to develop in collaboration with our Governing Council. It will be updated, as decisions and/or changes are determined throughout the search.

Director Search Update:  Friday, March 10, 2023

The Leadership Profile Report (LPR) below was presented to our Governing Council on March 9th which reflects the input themes our search firm, HYA, identified as a result of several listening sessions, written input, and a recent parent survey.  The LPR will be used by the Governing Council to screen applicants. develop interview questions, and make selection decisions.  

The Governing Council thanks everyone who took time to participate in the input opportunities facilitated by HYA to help inform this important selection process.

click here for: ALCS LEADERSHIP PROFILE



Director Search Timeline

February 9  - March 9
Engagement / Profile Development

February TBD - March 22
Advertising, Recruiting, HYA Screening

March 9
Leadership Profile Report to GC

March 13-17
ALCS SPRING BREAK


March 27-31 (TBD)
GC Special Mtg. Presentation of Slate

April 3-7 (TBD)
Director Interviews & Selection Decision

April (TBD)
GC Consideration of Director Contract

April/May (TBD)
Transition Meeting (Optional)

July 1 
New Director Begins

Input Opportunities
The Governing Council is committed to gathering additional student and parent input regarding the search and will be determining specific strategies for this with HYA soon.  As these opportunities are developed, we will update this search web page and also communicate with students and families using our established tools and strategies.

Position Announcement

The Governing Council approved the following position announcement HYA will be using to advertise and recruit prospective candidates for the position.  Families, staff and partners of our school are encouraged to share this information with leaders who may be interested and qualified for this great leadership opportunity.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT





Aldo Leopold Charter School
410 West 10th
Street Silver City, New Mexico, 88061
Phone:  575-538-2547
Fax:  575-388-4970

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-I have purposely presented the land ethic as a product of social evolution because nothing so important as an ethic is ever 'written' …      
     
              
~- Aldo Leopold,
               The Land Ethic, A Sand County Almanac
Aldo Leopold Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • ALCS Overview
    • Capital Outlay Request
    • Faculty & Staff
    • FAQs
    • Governance >
      • Governing Council
      • Agendas & Minutes
      • Charter School Contract 2020-2025 .
    • Committees >
      • School Advisory Council
      • School Health Advisory Council
      • Risk Management
      • Policy
      • Development
    • Strategic Plan
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Salary Information
    • Sunshine Portal
  • Enrollment
    • Lottery
    • Registration Forms
  • for STUDENTS & PARENTS
    • Supply Lists
    • Student Handbook
    • Registration/ Permission Forms
    • Snow Delay and Early Release Schedule
    • AI Policy
    • ParentSquare
    • PowerSchool
    • Google Classroom
    • I want to report...
    • Internships and YCC
    • NEWSLETTERS
    • Donate
    • College & Beyond >
      • College Prep >
        • 11th Grade
        • 12th Grade
      • Scholarship Opportunities
      • College Guidance Resources
      • Dual Enrollment at WNMU
      • Gap Year / Alternatives to College
      • Transcript Requests
  • Calendar
    • Calendar by month
    • 2025/2026 Calendar
  • Lunch Menu
  • State Guidance
    • Budget Reports
    • School Designation
    • Public Charter Schools of New Mexico
    • McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act
    • Single-Source Notice
    • ENGAGE NM
    • Special Education
    • Anti-Racism Ant-Oppression Hotline
  • Experiential Education
    • ALCS High School >
      • High School Trips and Slips
      • Community Orientation
    • ALCS Middle School >
      • Middle School Fabulous Fridays