Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Educator Honored for Leadership in Education

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Mary Kline

ALBANY, NY (04/12/2016)(readMedia)-- Mary K. Kline, director of adult, early childhood, and outreach education at Herkimer- Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES, has been selected as the 2016 recipient of the Leadership and Support Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

The SAANYS Leadership and Support Award was established to recognize the outstanding leadership efforts of those members whose responsibilities require leadership through support services to educators and students across and between buildings and districts.

A dedicated educational administrator at BOCES since 1982, Kline has implemented countless new initiatives and educational programs for the school and community. These services are wide ranging and include prekindergarten programs, migrant education services, services for homeless students, adult continuing education, as well as a nursing program offering both day and evening options. The prekindergarten programs are located in eight buildings and migrant education services span 143 school districts across 14 counties in central and eastern New York State. Commented colleague David Dudgeon, "While the list of accomplishments is grand, I am most impressed with her ability to balance this wide range of programs, find resources to fund all of them, and deal cooperatively with clients, parents, students, administrators, funding sources, and her staff. Mrs. Kline seems always present, always involved, always leading, always innovative, and always in the center of planning for yet another service to meet the needs of students, parents, staff, and the community."

Known as a cooperative and collaborative leader whose door is always open, and with an unfaltering commitment to students and families, Migrant Educator Kathleen Smith noted, "Across the various programs in Mary's supervision, I daresay that no needy family goes unnoticed. Her office is a veritable Santa's workshop as Christmas nears. In addition, no member of Mary's staff suffers a loss or problem alone." Continued Smith, "Mary has built trust among and with her staff. She does so by example, as her staff members quickly recognize Mary as a steadfast professional." Noted LPN Coordinator Sara Nicolette, "When I am dealing with my adult students, she gives me sound advice and has the ability to defuse any situation. Her door is always open and her advice is always welcome."

Commented District Superintendent Mark Vivacqua, "She has a quiet and unassuming manner which puts people at ease while steadfastly advocating for the most vulnerable among our children and adults. Parents will rightly think of certain principals or superintendents when identifying effective educational leaders. When those same administrators, as well as business and industry leaders in an and around Herkimer County, identify exceptional educational leadership, they think of Mary Kline."

Kline received her bachelor of science from Nazareth College, and her master of science and certificate of advanced study from SUNY Cortland.

Kline will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 6 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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