9 School Leaders Recognized for Service to Public Education

ALBANY, NY (06/15/2016)(readMedia)-- The New York State Association of School Business Officials (NYSASBO) recognized 9 education leaders for outstanding service to public education and students across the state. Each of the leaders named today supports best management practices to ensure a sound fiscal and operational climate in their school district. The award recipients were honored in Saratoga at the NYSASBO Education Summit, the annual meeting of the association's 2100 members.

Michael J. Borges, NYSASBO Executive Director, announced the awards, saying, "We are pleased to recognize the contributions of our members as well as other school leaders who are advancing the business of education for the betterment of their districts and students."

James Fregelette, President of NYSASBO, praised the recipients at the conference, "NYSASBO's Education Summit in June is the perfect time to step back from the hectic pace of school business offices to attend educational workshops, network with colleagues from around the state and, especially, to honor outstanding leaders making a difference for public education."

The 2016 NYSASBO award recipients are:

• Michele Levings, Director for State Aid and Financial Planning Services at Questar III BOCES in Rensselaer County received the Philip B. Fredenburg Memorial Award for Outstanding Service. This award includes a $1,000 donation in Michele's name to the Questar III BOCES for local use as a scholarship or special purchase.

• Fred Seiler, Assistant Superintendent for Business in White Plains City School District in Westchester County was named Outstanding School Business Official of the Year. This award includes a $1,000 donation in Fred's name to the White Plains District for local use as a scholarship or special purchase.

• Dr. Kishore Kuncham, Superintendent of the Freeport Public Schools in Nassau County was selected as the Outstanding Superintendent of the Year. This award recognizes exceptional support and appreciation for the role of the school business official and their contributions to a well-run school district. This award includes a $1,000 donation in Dr. Kuncham's's name to the Freeport District for local use as a scholarship or special purchase.

• Ryan Riefler, President of the Marcellus Central School District Board of Education in Onondaga County was named the Outstanding School Board Member of the Year. This award includes a $1,000 donation in Ryan's name to the Marcellus Central School District for local use as a scholarship or special purchase.

• Lisa Ryan, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, Monroe 1 BOCES in Monroe County has been named Advocate of the Year for her work in advancing awareness of public school fiscal issues.

• Andrew Lennon, Director of Business Administration for the Mount Pleasant Central School District in Westchester County was chosen as the New School Business Official Leader of the Year. This award includes a $1,000 donation in Andrew's name to the Mount Pleasant District for local use as a scholarship or special purchase.

• Sherri Fisher, Assistant Superintendent for Management Services and Strategic Planning for the South Colonie Central School District in Albany County received the George A. Perry Volunteer Service Award. This award includes a $750 donation in Sherri's name to the South Colonie District for local use as a scholarship or special purchase.

• Ann Lierow, Assistant Superintendent for the Greenwood Lake UFSD in Orange County was named to receive the Joan Colvin Starfish Award. This award includes a $1,000 scholarship awarded in Ann's name to a Mount Pleasant District student.

• Cora Miligy, Treasurer of the Fulton City School District in Oswego County received the Past Presidents' Scholarship. This award of $1500 provides financial assistance to a member enrolled full-time in a School District Business Leader certification program.

The New York State Association of School Business Officials established in 1948 is a professional membership organization of school business officials and staff from school districts and BOCES from around the state. The Association provides professional development and networking opportunities, serves as an informational resource on school finance and management issues, and advocates on behalf of its members and public education.

More information about the awards can be found here: http://www.nysasbo.org/page/awards--scholarships-15.html .