Dear AKF School Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce that the Board has voted to appoint Acting Executive Director Grace Howard-Donlin to the role of Interim Executive Director effective October 1, through the 2026–2027 academic year.

We wish to express our deepest gratitude to Mrs. Howard-Donlin for stepping into this critical leadership role during a pivotal time of transition. From guiding the District through the opening of school and navigating key personnel changes, to overseeing the rollout of new curriculum and structural enhancements in Special Education, Mrs. Howard-Donlin has ensured that our school remains focused on achieving our goals, under the Board’s guidance. The Board will continue to put measures in place for her ongoing leadership success as she continues to serve our District in the Interim Executive Director role.

Special thanks are also due to Trustee Greenwood and Trustee Vernon for volunteering their time and expertise to help guide Mrs. Howard-Donlin and the Board through the Acting Executive Director administrative process.

As a Board and community, we remain steadfast in our work to center the needs of every student we serve. We hold high expectations and cultivate an academic and character culture uniquely identifiable to our school—one where students feel actively supported and inspired in their learning journeys. That is also true for our faculty, and the school’s administrative team.

In alignment with our mission and vision, and following transparent, thoughtful, and meaningful discussion, the Board of Trustees voted to engage a search firm to collaborate with us in the search for a permanent Executive Director, whose term will begin next summer, before the 2027-2028 academic year. Grace Howard-Donlin will also be a candidate for the permanent Executive Director position and will participate in the search process alongside other qualified candidates.

Our core objective throughout this search process is to be open, equitable, and clear. As part of this commitment, we are forming an Internal Search Committee, which will be composed of the AKF community: Trustees, Administrators, Parents, Faculty and Students

Our work truly involves every part of our school community. If you are interested in serving on the Executive Director Search Committee, information about how to participate will be communicated soon.

In closing, we want to extend another heartfelt thank you to Grace Howard-Donlin for her leadership and to offer our sincere gratitude to our Trustees, faculty, staff, and families for your unwavering dedication, collaboration, and support as we move forward together.

Warm regards,

Shelly Yarnie

Chair, Board of Trustees

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School

Margaret Asante

Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School