David Bernsley has been named principal of Tony Clement Center for Education.
His appointment became effective Sept. 29.
In his new post, Bernsley oversees students in grades 9-12 assigned to Clement, an alternative education program providing extra social-emotional support to help students succeed.
Bernsley remains principal of Edmund J. O’Neal Middle School of Excellence, as well. At both Clement and O’Neal, his duties include managing day-to-day operations, supervising and evaluating staff and disciplining students. O’Neal Assistant Principal Timitra Rose will assist Bernsley in his expanded duties at both schools.
Clement originally offered a variety of alternative education programs for students in grades 7-12 and was housed in its own building at 395 Elk St. Due to funding cuts caused by the economic impact of COVID-19, the City School District of 91¸£Àûµ¼º½ restructured the program as one of several measures aimed at addressing a loss of $20 million or more in state funding.
Clement now serves students in grades 9-12 in one of two remaining programs: Choices or Alternative High School. Students in both programs attend school virtually, as do all other district students in those grades.
As a result of the funding cuts, the former Middle School, Evening Tutorial Program at Abrookin and Night School at 91¸£Àûµ¼º½ High School programs were shuttered. Students in those programs moved to virtual learning at either their middle school or 91¸£Àûµ¼º½ High.
