East Greenbush Educator Honored for Outstanding Leadership in Education

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Edward Kilmartin

ALBANY, NY (04/14/2015)(readMedia)-- ALBANY, NY – Edward Kilmartin, assistant principal at Columbia High School in the East Greenbush Central School District, has been selected for the 2015 Outstanding Educator Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is given annually to a SAANYS member who has made outstanding contributions in New York State schools through public education, professional organizations, or research and/or writing in the field of education.

Assistant principal of this high school since 2008, Kilmartin has worked diligently on several initiatives to improve opportunities for Columbia High School students. He was instrumental in implementing the Operation Graduation program that reaches out to at-risk students and offers them diverse options toward completing graduation requirements, including extensive online learning and credit recovery courses. This program has graduated 80 students since 2011. He also played an important role in developing a Distance Learning program at Columbia, which provides unique learning opportunities for many students.

Additionally, Kilmartin has been the driving force behind increasing Columbia High School's STEM offerings and bringing technology into the classroom by organizing an annual Technology Forum for teachers at the school. As noted by Shay Harrison, board of education president, "His work on the Technology Committee, as one of the driving forces and organizers of the annual summer Technology Forum, and as the administrative lead for the Operation Graduation program has been exceptional. Operation Graduation has allowed many students who likely would not have made it to graduation, the opportunity to find the strength and resolve to achieve success, and Ed has been a champion, advocate, and tireless supporter of the students and the program since its inception." Harrison also acknowledges Kilmartin's work in the East Greenbush community through the Education Foundation board, which provides financial support to children who reside in the district for summer enrichment programs, as well as providing approximately 20 endowed student achievement awards.

Kilmartin is also known as a committed advocate and proactive leader on behalf of students at the school. Commented Lawrence Edson, Jr., assistant superintendent for school business finance, "Mr. Kilmartin always displays an optimistic attitude with administrators, teachers, students, and parents. He consistently looks out for the best interest of his students and develops a rapport with them to gain their trust and respect." And, noted Helen Squillace, director of special education, "Relied upon as a 'can-do' administrator, no challenge is too daunting for Ed. Teachers and parents readily seek him out as he is highly visible, very approachable, and always willing to lend a hand. He is goal oriented and hard working, and truly a standout in our profession."

Kilmartin will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 8 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, 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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