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.