Who We Are

Derick T. Spaulding is the Chief Executive Officer of the AECI Charter Schools Network. Derick assumed this role in May 2020 after serving on the AECI Board of Trustees since 2016. Derick brings more than 17 years of education leadership experience to the AECI Network.

In his previous role as Senior Director of Leadership Development with the Leadership Academy, Derick worked with school systems across the country to build school and district leadership capacity. Derick facilitated continuous adult learning for current and aspiring principals, principal supervisors, and superintendents to increase their capacity as systems level leaders and school building administrators.

Derick started his career as a middle school math and science teacher in New York. His commitment to serving students in the under-served and under-resourced Bronx community he was raised, inspired him to pursue a career in school leadership and eventually become founding principal of Emolior Academy middle school.

Derick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from The State University at Albany and graduate degrees in Educational Leadership from City College University and Baruch College respectively. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy at Fordham University.

Colin Healy is an accomplished educational leader with over 15 years of experience driving student achievement and organizational success. Since February 2019, he has served as the Principal of AECI 1 Charter High School, where his leadership has elevated academic outcomes and strengthened school culture.

Under Colin's stewardship, AECI 1 has achieved its highest graduation rates, Regents pass rates, and credit accumulation rates, positioning it as a leader among peer schools. A lifelong advocate for equity and student success, Colin began his career at AECI as a Title 1 Math teacher, specializing in building foundational math skills for at-risk students.

His innovative approach to instruction contributed to closing achievement gaps for the school's predominantly low-income student population. In 2015, he was promoted to Assistant Principal, overseeing instructional quality and driving initiatives that fostered a culture of excellence among staff and students alike.

Colin holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Queens College, a Master's degree in Math Education from Manhattanville College, and a Post-Master's Certificate in School Leadership from Queens College. These academic achievements, combined with his deep expertise in education, inform his strategic vision for academic rigor and student growth.

As Principal, Colin continues to prioritize closing achievement gaps, fostering high expectations, and creating pathways for all students to thrive academically and personally. His leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to the mission of AECI 1 and the empowerment of its students to excel in school and beyond.

Tamara Williams has served as an Assistant Principal at AECI 1 since 2024, overseeing the History, Theme, Spanish, and Math departments. Her journey into education reflects her deep commitment to empowering youth and fostering academic success. Tamara earned a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Law, along with Africana Studies, from Binghamton University.

After completing her undergraduate studies, she began her career as a Youth Outreach Coordinator, providing interventions and incentive-based learning opportunities to at-risk youth in the Bronx. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in education.

Tamara earned her Master's degree in Adolescent Education and Social Studies from Hunter College and began her teaching career as a 7th-grade history teacher at Tech International Charter School. In 2017, she joined AECI 1 as a Global History teacher, where she dedicated herself to increasing Regents pass rates, helping students find joy in learning, and nurturing global citizenship.

Her passion for mentoring and supporting teachers led her to take on leadership roles, providing resources and constructive feedback to new educators. Tamara continued her professional growth by earning a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Hunter College while serving as AECI 1's Director of Instruction.

In this role, she honed her skills in curriculum development and teacher support, ultimately transitioning into her current position as Assistant Principal. Tamara's educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that all students have the potential to thrive when equipped with the right opportunities, tools, resources, and care.

Her leadership continues to inspire both students and staff as they strive for excellence together.

Nestor Payne has served as the Dean of Students at AECI 1 since 2011, bringing over 25 years of experience as an educator in New York City to his role. Mr. Payne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Iona College, a Master of Arts in Adolescent Education, and a Master of Education in School Administration from Mercy College.

His extensive educational background and dedication to student success have been central to his impactful leadership at AECI 1. As Dean of Students, Mr. Payne collaborates closely with the principal to ensure that students achieve significant academic growth while embodying the core values of the school.

He is instrumental in fostering a positive school climate by promoting strong attendance rates, maintaining a safe environment for both students and staff, and upholding high standards of behavior. Mr. Payne places a strong emphasis on restorative practices, believing that these approaches are key to achieving long-term, positive outcomes for students.

By addressing behavioral challenges through methods that build relationships, encourage accountability, and repair harm, he creates opportunities for growth and transformation that align with the school's mission of academic excellence and personal development. With a steadfast commitment to the success and well-being of AECI 1's students, Mr.

Payne continues to be a driving force in shaping an inclusive and supportive school culture.

Tara Napolitano has served as the Athletic Director at AECI 1 since 2016, bringing her lifelong passion for sports and commitment to student success to the school's athletic program. Tara knew from a young age that she wanted a career focused on helping others achieve their highest athletic potential while encouraging them to strive for excellence in all areas of life.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Southern Connecticut State University, where she also played rugby for three years. She later completed a Master's degree in Sports Management at Adelphi University. Tara's dedication to building a comprehensive and inclusive athletic program stems from her own experiences as a student-athlete.

She believes in the importance of providing a variety of sports options for students, enabling them to be part of a team, explore leadership opportunities, and immerse themselves in the school's culture. Under her leadership, AECI 1 currently offers 12 teams for both male and female students, ensuring that every academically eligible student has the opportunity to participate.

The teams are led by highly skilled coaches, many of whom are also members of the teaching staff, fostering even deeper connections between students and their mentors. As a former athlete, Tara takes the "student" in student-athlete seriously and prioritizes academic achievement alongside athletic performance.

Her goal is to ensure that students excel not only on the court or field but also in the classroom, preparing them for success in all aspects of life. Go Tigers!

Marc Basch began his career at AECI 1 in 2010 as a teacher, specializing in CAD Architecture classes. Over the course of a decade, he made a lasting impact on the school's academic programs by integrating technology into the classroom and fostering innovative approaches to learning.

In 2020, Marc transitioned to his current role as Technology Director, bringing his extensive teaching experience and passion for educational technology to a new level of service for the school community. Marc attended New York University (NYU), where he cultivated his expertise in technology and education.

As Technology Director, he ensures that students and staff have access to the tools and resources necessary to support AECI 1's mission of academic excellence and career readiness. He oversees the implementation and maintenance of all school technology, ensuring that hardware, software, and digital infrastructure align with the evolving needs of the school.

With a deep commitment to empowering both students and staff through technology, Marc continues to play a critical role in advancing AECI 1's goals and maintaining its reputation as a forward-thinking institution.