---
title: "Weekly Superintendent Spotlight: Uplifting News and Stories from the IEI Family"
description: Weekly updates on inspiring initiatives by superintendents in Albany, Ypsilanti, and Uniondale, highlighting community connections and educational leadership in the IEI Family.
---

[IEI Blog | Education Leadership & Development ](https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/blog)

# [Weekly Superintendent Spotlight: Uplifting News and Stories from the IEI Family](https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/blog/weekly-superintendent-spotlight-uplifting-news-and-stories-from-the-iei-family)

 Written by [IEI](https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/blog/author/iei) | September 27, 2024

# Weekly Superintendent Spotlight: Uplifting News and Stories from the IEI Family

**Week Seven: **Community Connections

Welcome to our weekly review of the latest superintendent news across the IEI Family! As we end off September, we have some inspiring updates from City School District of Albany in New York, Ypsilanti Public Schools in Michigan, and Uniondale UFSD in New York. Let’s explore the latest from our [K12 Educational Leadership](https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/)!

Superintendent Hochreiter Leads Albany Coat Drive and Blood Donation Efforts

Superintendent Joseph [Hochreiter ](https://www.albanyschools.org/people/1851821/joseph-hochreiter)significantly impacts the Albany community through his leadership in two critical initiatives. This week, he helped launch the 2024 [Cash for Coats](https://www.albanyschools.org/schools/albanyhigh/news/1796375/saving-lives-is-better-together) drive alongside Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, aiming to raise funds for new winter coats and accessories for families in need within the City School District of Albany. Hochreiter also rolled up his sleeve to support the district's first [blood drive](https://www.albanyschools.org/schools/albanyhigh/news/1796375/saving-lives-is-better-together) of the academic year, donating alongside staff, students, and community members. His active involvement in both efforts underscores his commitment to the well-being and success of Albany students and the broader community.

To help support Cash for Coats, click [here](https://www.albanyschools.org/schools/albanyhigh/news/1796375/saving-lives-is-better-together).

To support the Blood Drive, click [here](https://www.albanyschools.org/schools/albanyhigh/news/1796375/saving-lives-is-better-together).

 

Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross Leads Community Discussion on PreK-12 Education Challenges

Dr. Alena [Zachery-Ross](https://www.ycschools.us/about-us/administration/), superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools, participated in Bridge Michigan's Lunch Break event to discuss key issues in preK-12 education. Along with fellow panelists, she addressed teacher shortages, strategies to bring new educators into the field, and the importance of investing in pre-K programs. Dr. Zachery-Ross continues to be a leader in exploring solutions for helping students catch up academically as they return to school for the 2024-25 year.

To listen to the podcast, click [here](https://youtu.be/siYVnijCRR4).

 

Grad Project Achieves 100% Graduation Rate with Community Mentorship Under Dr. Darrisaw-Akil

Last year, My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Uniondale launched the [Grad Project](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/uniondale-ufsd_mbk-mentoringmatters-activity-7244901699302146050-ADUq?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop), enlisting community leaders to mentor seniors needing support on their paths to high school graduation and career readiness. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Monique [Darrisaw-Akil](https://district.uniondaleschools.org/page/welcome-from-superintendent), 100% of the students who received mentors graduated in either June or August. This week, the program recognized some of its MBK mentors, expressing deep gratitude for the community's investment in its youth.

[View full post](https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/blog/weekly-superintendent-spotlight-uplifting-news-and-stories-from-the-iei-family)

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