Clifton-Fine Principal Honored for K-12 Building Leadership

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Susan O. Shene

ALBANY, NY (04/01/2011)(readMedia)-- Susan O. Shene, pre-kindergarten-12 principal of Clifton-Fine Central School District in Saint Lawrence County, has been selected as the recipient for the 2011 K-12 Building Principal Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

The K-12 Building Principal Award was created to recognize the unique characteristics of a K-12 building and the related demands, expectations, and challenges of a principal in this multi-level environment. It is given annually to a SAANYS member who is a successful K-12 principal, a recognized educational leader, and who has demonstrated leadership in establishing the pace, character, and mission of the building and demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness in providing comprehensive programs and services for all levels and grades.

Shene has served in the field of education for 24 years, six in administration, three in her present position. In November 2010, Clifton-Fine Elementary School was awarded the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Award based upon improved assessment scores. The school is the only one in St. Lawrence County to ever receive the award and one of only 19 schools in New York State to receive this honor. According to Shene, "Leading a PK-12 school has many challenges, but also many rewards. Seeing the shy, hesitant PK child grow into a confident young adult is just one such reward. The opportunities for teamwork abound, and the entire staff at CFCS understands the need for teamwork for the success of our students."

Shene is a member of several professional associations and is on the board of the Clifton-Fine Arena Association.

In his nomination of Shene, former superintendent Dr. Paul Alioto stated, "Susan O. Shene is the most effective educational leader with whom I've had the privilege of serving. Despite our local community challenges of poverty and cultural and geographic isolation, Mrs. Shene has led our staff to help students achieve their highest potential resulting in our NYSED nomination for a National Blue Ribbon in 2010."

Shene will be recognized for her achievements at the SAANYS annual awards ceremony on May 6, 2011 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 provide 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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