Central Valley Educator Honored for Outstanding Contributions to Secondary Education

ALBANY, NY (04/09/2014)(readMedia)-- Renee Rudd, high school principal of Central Valley Academy in the Central Valley Central School District, has been selected as the 2014 recipient of the James E. Allen Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

James E. Allen, a pillar of educational leadership who served as commissioner of education in New York

State, was known for his strong support of secondary school administrators. This award is given annually

to a SAANYS member who is a secondary school administrator, supervisor, or coordinator who has

given significant contributions to education and leadership at the secondary school level and service to

the community and professional organizations including SAANYS.

Described as a collaborative and passionate school leader, Rudd has served as a school administrator

for more than 25 years. Although Rudd has been in her current position for ten years, this is her first year

leading the new Central Valley Academy that developed out of the merger of two school districts. Rudd's

outstanding leadership led to the successful transition to the new combined school. She held a kickoff

celebration entitled "A New Beginning" on the first day of school that set the tone for the school year,

complete with a ribbon cutting and introductions of new staff. All students, faculty, and staff received the

new school t-shirt celebrating the "Central Valley Thunder" and new school colors. As noted by Mark

Bunce, music department chair of Central Valley Academy, "That opening day collaboration has built the

foundation for one of the best years I and other staff members have ever had in teaching. This event has

led to other collaborations which demonstrate Ms. Rudd's personal excellence with her dedication to her

job, putting in countless hours, and collaborative leadership working with the staff and department chairs

to create activities that promote learning, aligns curriculum, and goals." Commented Cosimo Tangorra,

superintendent of schools, "Through her efforts, both faculty and students at CVA have come together as

a model for the combination of two high schools."

Additionally, Rudd is well known for her dedication and commitment to excellence – working to increase

educational opportunities at all levels. She has increased the number of advanced placement offerings

and business classes available to students, made arrangements to bring a Jr. ROTC Program to CVA

(currently waitlisted), and is working to introduce a STEM/STEAM program to the high school. Stated

Ilion Police Captain Laurie Ann DeVaul, "As a parent of a student attending CVA, I also have witnessed

the exemplary contributions Principal Rudd has made towards ensuring that each student receives the

best possible chance of realizing success. Principal Rudd has created a comfortable open-door

atmosphere that enables both students and parents alike, the opportunity to meet with her to discuss

their educational concerns."

Rudd received her bachelor and masters degrees from Syracuse University and her advanced degree in

educational administration from SUNY Oswego.

Rudd will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 9 at the Century House in

Latham, New York.

SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional

association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their

efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated

with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of

Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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