Utica City School District Seeks Stakeholder Input on Special Patrol Officer Agreement
Principal's Message
Dear Parents,
It is my honor to introduce myself as your child's new Principal. My name is Brent Dodge and I started at Albany Elementary this past Monday. I had the luxury and pleasure to shadow Mrs. Kalavazoff this entire week. I am grateful that the district administration has afforded us this opportunity. We toured the building, stopping at each classroom for introductions, and visiting the cafeteria throughout the week to chat and interact with the kids. Your children were fantastic this past week in welcoming me to their school! Mrs. Kalavazoff has been nothing short of amazing and more than gracious during this transition. I wish her nothing but good health and happiness in her retirement and hope that she will return for the occasional visit.
I grew up in Cornhill where most of my extended family lived within a few blocks of each other. I have fond memories of James Street passing by the local shops and stores on the way to school, Zalatan's, Angelo's Bakery, Leo's Pizza and Fitz's Diner. I attended Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School and graduated from another local high school. I attended college in the Central New York region having played both football and lacrosse at the collegiate level. I have remained connected to Utica and its surrounding communities through career, family and friends. I live a few short miles from the school with my wife Jennifer and 3 children, one 7th grader and two 5th-graders {Yes, we have boy-girl twins). They are all very active, which keepsus busy. I also remain active in coaching both youth football and lacrosse, as well as still playing lacrosse.
I began my career in education at T.R. Proctor High School and most recently spent six and a half years as a K-12 Principal in a local district. I am more than excited to continue my journey with the students, faculty and staff at Albany Elementary. So far, I am more than impressed with the expertise and professionalism that I have encountered. I am honored that the faculty have selected me to lead them and proud to call them colleagues. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Respectfully,
Brent M. Dodge
Principal