Lancaster Educator Honored for Outstanding Leadership in Education

ALBANY, NY (03/27/2018) (readMedia)-- Peter Kruszynski, principal of Lancaster Middle School in the Lancaster Central School District, has been selected for the 2018 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.

A longtime educator, Kruszynski has served the Lancaster CSD for 24 years, and has been in his current position since 2000. During that time he has mentored nine assistant principals, five of whom have since moved on to become principals of their own buildings, and one who is currently in the district office. Noted Kruszynski, "My approach has been to involve and divide the responsibilities so the assistant principal is immersed in the daily routines we work in. As a two-person administrative office, we work in close proximity and make the building decisions in concert for the betterment of the school. I am very proud to support new aspiring administrators and give them the training to be successful." Commented Andrew Kufel, director of secondary education, "Mr. Kruszynski's biggest strength is his sincere care for the welfare and betterment of his faculty, staff, students, and those with whom he works with at the school and district. Mr. Kruszynski sets the bar high for himself and expects those around him to do the same. He understands, as the principal of LMS, he is the face of LMS."

Kruszynski is also known as an administrator who consistently puts his students first. Under his leadership the number of students enrolled in accelerated studies have increased steadily, reaching an all time high this past year. More than 60 percent of the student body participates in extra curricular musical instruction, and there are over 30 different clubs and activities available for participation. Students who are at risk or high needs are supported via a core team that meets weekly to assure that those students reach their ultimate potential. Additionally, Kruszynski reorganized the building so that departmental courses are in proximity to each other and teachers have been given common planning times, which has enabled them to align curriculum and create common formative assessments for the school.

In addition to his work within the district, Kruszynski has also made significant contributions to the profession of school administration through extensive association leadership. He has been an active member of the School Administrators Association of New York State since 2000, serving in many positions ranging from regional president, to the state level board of directors, and finally serving as state president in 2009. He also previously served as the SAANYS state representative to the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and is currently a member of the NASSP board of directors. Commented Andrew Kufel regarding Kruszynski's professional service, "This combination of experience and leadership has provided him with a unique global perspective that allows him to keenly understand education in a changing society."

Kruszynski received his bachelor and master of education degrees as well as his certificate of advanced study from the State University at Buffalo.

Kruszynski will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 5 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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