Â鶹ӰÒô High School's new Citizenship Academy also has a new principal to start the 2025-26 school year.
The City School District of Â鶹ӰÒô Board of Education has approved the appointment of Emma Steckman as the new academy principal.
Most recently an assistant principal at North Â鶹ӰÒô Middle School, Steckman has worked in various capacities in the district since 2013. That includes serving as a program coordinator for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant, an administrative intern at Â鶹ӰÒô High and assistant principal at the former Philip Schuyler Achievement Academy (now Roots Academy at West Hill).
By making data-driven decisions focused on supporting both students and staff at North Â鶹ӰÒô, Steckman has been part of an administrative team that has made significant strides forward in fostering a safe and effective learning environment. Through utilizing trauma-informed and restorative practices, her leadership has helped cultivate trust and understanding within the school community.
"I am so excited to join the leadership team at Â鶹ӰÒô High School!" Steckman said. "I look forward to continuing my work with Â鶹ӰÒô students, families and staff in my new role."
The new Citizenship Academy spaces were among the final pieces of Â鶹ӰÒô High's transformative rebuilding process over the last seven years, and will open to students for the first time at the start of the upcoming school year. Steckman joins Assistant Principal Kenneth Klein on the Citizenship Academy leadership team, replacing Emily Lawyer.
Steckman earned her master's degree in social sciences at the University of Chicago and a master's in secondary education at the University at Â鶹ӰÒô. She also holds school building leadership and school district leadership certification from the former College of Saint Rose.