ALBANY, NY (04/01/2011)(readMedia)-- William A. Kresse, principal at City Honors School in Buffalo, has been selected as the 2011 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.

Kresse has served as principal of City Honors, a grade five through twelve magnet program within the Buffalo Public Schools, for six years. City Honors focuses on acceleration, enrichment, and an International Baccalaureate Program. Kresse has served as an educator for 17 years, 12 as an administrator.

As evidenced in numerous letters of recommendation, Kresse is admired and respected in his school community. According to Catherine Nugent Panepinto, a member of the Buffalo Board of Education, Kresse has made great strides at City Honors. His accomplishments include raising the percentage of graduates earning a three or above in at least one AP course or four or above in at least one IB course from 64.5 percent in 2006 to 95% in 2009, and raising the percentage of student participation in the IB diploma program from 37.6 percent in 2005 to 57.4 percent in 2010. In addition, the number of AP and IB courses offered has increased significantly during his tenure. Many letters of support noted his exemplary leadership in making a two-year construction project progress smoothly for students, faculty and staff, and community members.

Catherine Linder Spencer, a City Honors parent, "His (Kresse's) commitment to excellence, his tireless dedication to our school, his care for the larger community and global issues, coupled with his uniquely contagious energy is what sets him apart."

Kresse is a member of SAANYS and several other professional associations, is a board member of the City Honors Foundation, a Buffalo Re-Tree Volunteer, serves on the Masten Field Restoration Task Force and the Macedonia Foundation, and is the recipient of several awards.

Kresse will be recognized for his achievements at an awards ceremony on May 6, 2011 at the Century House in Latham, New York.

SAANYS represents more than 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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Posted Friday April 01, 2011 at 02:46 pm by School Administrators Association of New York State
Last Updated Friday April 01, 2011 at 02:46 pm