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State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia today announced the appointment of Dr. Kimberly Young Wilkins as Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and School Reform. In her new role, Ms. Young Wilkins will oversee the Office of Innovation and School Reform’s efforts to implement New York’s School Receivership program in schools identified as Struggling and Persistently Struggling, as well as selected grant programs intended to increase student results in low-performing schools.

“Dr. Young Wilkins will play a critical role in ensuring that low-performing schools enhance their overall education strategies to serve every child in New York state,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. “With her extensive educational background, I have no doubt that Dr. Young Wilkins will excel in this position.”

“I had the opportunity to see Dr. Young Wilkins work with her students during her time as interim superintendent of Albany Public Schools and she is passionate about ensuring that every child receives a quality education.” Commissioner Elia said. “I know she will bring exceptional leadership and expertise to her new role and we could not be more thrilled to have her on our team.”

Dr. Young Wilkins has served the Albany community throughout her career in education, starting as a teacher in alternative programs in 1990. Most recently, she served as the interim superintendent of schools in the Albany City School District. Prior to that appointment, she served as a high school teacher, and in various administrative positions for the past 20 years including assistant principal at the former Philip Livingston Magnet Academy, principal at the former School 16 and founding principal at Stephen and Harriett Myers Middle School. She earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Sage Graduate School in 2013 and a master’s degree in social studies education from the University at Albany in 1993. She has received numerous awards and honors for her leadership and efforts in the community.

Dr. Young Wilkins earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Sage Graduate School in 2013 and a master’s degree in social studies education from the University at Albany in 1993. She has received numerous awards and honors for her leadership and efforts in the community.

Dr. Young Wilkins will start her new position September 1.

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