A long-time PE teacher for the Albany elementary schools, Yvonne also taught math and PE at MacGregor High School and coached girls basketball. She developed an innovative curriculum to aid students’ development of various skills. Yvonne collaborated with Luna Dance Institute to incorporate creative dance into the P.E. program. She inspired students to gain the confidence to move forward whether in academics or physical education.

Mary Lou was a much loved 6th grade teacher at Albany Middle School for more than 20 years. She was active with camping and cooking activities through the years and was a thoughtful mentor for many teachers and support staff. Mary Lou encouraged and supported math education for girls.

Frank Bliss has been involved in supporting music in the Albany schools for decades, first as a parent and then as a generous donor of the Albany Music Fund.  A professional violinist, he spent countless volunteer hours assisting AHS music students to improve their string instrument skills.  A champion of the Albany Music Fund, Frank inspires the community to support young musicians in the schools.  He also supports a variety of other organizations including Berkeley Symphony, Cazadero Performing Arts Campo, Young Persons Symphony Orchestra, Kiwanis Club.

Bill was an Albany City Council member and Mayor of Albany and served  for 7 years on the Board of Education. As a civil and structural engineer, Bill volunteered his skills to help assess damage to the schools after earthquakes. Bill was the organizer of the BIngo fundraising effort to support Albany sports programs after severe budget cuts.

George was a former AHS and MacHigh science teacher. He established and supported the school garden program from 1977 through 1984 with a windmill and solar panel, trees, benches and classroom paper recycling. George was very active in the Berkeley and regional Lions Club and a committed community leader in scouting programs for decades. He is very supportive of AEF events.

Lynn Giblin: Lynn is a long-time Para-Educator for the students who receive services in the Special Education program. She has served at Albany High School for over 20 years in the Special Day Class program and the Resource Specialist Program. Her firm and compassionate leadership in the classroom have provided the opportunity for all students to grow and thrive in our community. 

A 1982 Albany graduate, Jim coached basketball at AMS and JV Baseball at the high school eventually becoming Head Coach for Varsity baseball from 2002-2013. During that period, the team won the league title for 8 years, went to the North Coast sectionals every year and played in the championship game for the North Coast title. Jim was named Coach of the Year in 2002.

After retiring, Andy served as a much-valued substitute teacher at AHS and MacGregor High School. He was instrumental in restarting the AHS track program with his good friend, Jewel Okawachi. Andy was an active community volunteer for many civic projects.

 Ray, an exceptional teacher of wood shop, mechanical drawing, and science, built a thriving program from scratch at the middle school. His remarkable ability to engage students of diverse aptitudes and interests left an indelible mark. Ray's coaching prowess extended to both boys and girls basketball teams, fostering teamwork and discipline. He eagerly accompanied students on class field trips, providing opportunities for exploration and hands-on learning.

A Math Teacher at  AMS since 2003, Mr. Lew (aka “Trainer”) has a passion for making math fun, helping his students with study habits and strategies to ensure the most learning. He sends weekly emails to the families of his students with math challenges, math puzzles, and math jokes to cultivate a culture of math at home. He has received AEF grants to create a noontime Math Club and Board Game Club that encourages family involvement. 

Remembered for his abundant care for his students, Rich was a math and science teacher for 32 years at Albany High School and coached the Albany High School Science Bowl team. Rich emphasized a “hands-on” approach to teaching, giving students learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. His review sessions before exams were very  popular. Rich was always willing to serve in any capacity, including administration as Vice Principal at AHS. 

Diane was a much beloved 4th grade teacher at Marin School. Diane was known for her innovative classroom projects and management. She created the Judy Chicago’s Dinner Party project where students conducted research into the contributions by women to the world and then created a dinner plate reflecting those contributions. She also introduced a regular “class meeting” to check in on students. This allowed the students to express their views on how the class was running and addressed issues among students.

An active parent volunteer, Jane became an outstanding school secretary at Marin and Cornell. She welcomed and supported many new principals. Jane always went above and beyond in a kind and caring manner and helped all students feel recognized and cared for.

Peggy began her career as a swim instructor and lifeguard and then went on to become the Albany Pool Director. She trained AUSD staff on CPR and First Aid. Peggy served as an Albany City Council member and Mayor of Albany, a longtime AEF board member and an active member of the Albany Community Foundation and other community organizations. She is a deeply respected leader seeking equity and justice for everyone.

Dianne served two terms on the Albany Board of Education, as PTA president at Marin, AMS and AHS, and as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. Dianne has been providing leadership during the last 20 years as an AEF board member. Dianne co-chaired the bond measure for the Albany Pool construction and co-chaired a parcel tax measure for the Albany Unified School District. Her deep dedication to the Albany Schools has given all students an enhanced school experience.

Long time Marin School Principal, Marian oversaw the expansion and integration of services for Special Education students. She provided leadership to the incoming elementary Principals  and worked to ensure equitable education experiences for all students. She coordinated elementary curriculum innovations to be in sync with AMS , supported the implementation of the Class Size Reduction Program, and was a key organizer in the assignment of staff and students when Vista/MacGregor moved to one campus to become Ocean View. Marian was also an active partner in supporting AEF fundraising efforts.

Marsha served on the Albany Board of Education and was a PTA president at Marin and AMS. She is a long-term AEF Board member and provides structure and leadership to a number of committees, most notably the Grant committee. As a long-time supporter of libraries, Marsha provides leadership and mentorship to the Friends of the Albany Library community and has spent countless hours supporting the school libraries. She also worked on the campaigns for the Albany Public Library Parcel Tax and a parcel tax measure for the Albany Unified School District. 

Mare inspired her students to love learning through reading and creative, interdisciplinary projects. Beginning in 1998, Mare taught 3rd and 5th grade classes at Marin and then in 2005 she became the Teacher-Librarian at all the elementary schools. In 2006 Mare became the full-time Teacher-Librarian at Cornell until her retirement in 2022. As a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Coach, Mare mentored 19 new Albany teachers over a course of 18 years.

The Albany YMCA has been serving families, students and the community for more than 100 years. Its Kids’ Club Before and After School program began around 1980. In 2003, the Albany Y started the Y-Achievers program, a homework and tutoring program providing a safe place and homework support. The Y also supported the statewide YMCA program, Youth & Government. The collaboration between AUSD and the Albany YMCA has enriched and supported our families and students.