Marlboro Central School District Director of Food Service Honored with SAANYS Essential Service Leader Award

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Frederick Callo, Director of Food Service for the Marlboro Central School District

ALBANY, NY (04/01/2026) (readMedia)-- Frederick Callo, director of food service for the Marlboro Central School District, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 SAANYS Essential Service Leader Award. This award is designed to recognize the invaluable services provided by civil service supervisors, administrators, managers, and support personnel who keep our schools and BOCES safe, effective, and welcoming environments for students and staff in New York State.

Callo has served the district for the past 29 years. As director of food service, he has overseen the food services remodeling for all five schools in the district, which he says "helped improve the diversity, speed, and quality of the food being served." He was also instrumental in setting up a "safe pickup and delivery system to provide meals during the COVID pandemic." He adds that those efforts involved meals being provided to both the children in the community as well as to the senior citizen population.

Callo says that best practices for him include continual training "to adhere to the ever-changing guidelines of the National School Lunch Program." He explains that this "ensures success in the preparation, storage, and serving of school meals."

Callo is a 27-year member and past president of the Marlboro-Milton Lions Club, as well as the District Wellness Committee and the High School Student Voice Committees. He is also a member of the Town of Marlborough planning board, where he serves as the deputy chairman. Retired principal Patricia Walsh says that "Fred's efforts have strengthened the bonds within our school district and our town and enriched the lives of countless individuals."

Walsh adds that Callo is "a man of deep integrity and that is the highest accolade I can offer. His dedication, compassion, and professionalism set an example for all of us, and his contributions will be remembered fondly for years to come."

Robin Hecht, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, says of Callo, "I have witnessed firsthand his exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to student well-being and community engagement." Hecht adds that Callo's "ability to merge operational excellence with educational purpose exemplifies what it means to be a leader in our field."

Food Service Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Morgan says Callo "encourages his staff to learn and grow in their work positions. I believe he is deserving of this recognition after serving the district and the community for 29 years."

Callo received his master's degree from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, and his bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College.

Callo and fellow 2026 award winners will be recognized at SAANYS' annual awards celebration, taking place Friday, May 1, at The Desmond/Crowne Plaza in Albany.

SAANYS represents nearly 22,000 school administrators, supervisors, and retirees. 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).