NYSASBO Recognizes Public Education Leaders

ALBANY, NY (06/13/2017) (readMedia)-- On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, the New York State Association of School Business Officials (NYSASBO) honored several individuals during the 2017 Education Summit & Expo held June 4-7th at the Lake Placid Conference Center in Lake Placid, NY.

Gregory E. Carlson, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Management Services of Byram Hills Central School District in Westchester County was the recipient of the Association's most prestigious award, the 2017 Philip B. Fredenburg Memorial Award for Outstanding Service. This award is given to an individual who, through their actions and achievements has shown a commitment to the advancement of public education and the Association. During his 25 years as a NYSASBO member and school business official, Mr. Carlson has held many roles within the Association, including Board President, Board Member, and Local Chapter President. In all of these roles, he has truly "advanced the business of education".

Lynn Chase, Director of Management Services of Otsego Northern Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services was the winner of the 2017 George A. Perry Volunteer Service Award. The George A. Perry Volunteer Service Award is given to an individual who has, through their volunteer efforts, contributed to both their local chapter and to the statewide Association.

Terry Hasseler of Caledonia-Mumford Central School District in Livingston County was awarded the Past President's Scholarship. The Past President's Scholarship is awarded to a member enrolled full-time in a program leading to a School District Business Leader Certification..

Suzanne Slack, Chief Financial Officer of Syracuse City School District was presented with the Outstanding School Business Officer of the Year award. The Outstanding School Business Official Award is presented annually to a school business official who has gone above and beyond while fulfilling their duties and responsibilities to their school district and community.

Dr. Michael Vallely, Superintendent of Lancaster Central School District in Erie County was the recipient of the Outstanding Superintendent of the Year. This award is presented to a Superintendent who has demonstrated support and appreciation for the role of the school business official and their contributions to a successful school district.

Christine Turner, Vice President of Herricks Union Free School District Board of Education in Nassau County won the Outstanding School Board Member of the Year award. This is presented to a school board member who has demonstrated support and appreciation for the role of the school business official and their contributions to a successful school district.

Carlos Ramirez, Manager of Smart Schools Bond and Accounts for the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center was named NYSASBO's Advocate of the Year. The Advocate of the Year award is given to an individual that has demonstrated a deep and lasting commitment to advocating on behalf of public schools, and increasing awareness of school needs.

Scott Whittemore, Assistant Superintendent for Business at Queensbury Union Free School District in Warren County won the New SBO Leader of the Year award. This is presented to an up-and-coming member of a school business office who has demonstrated leadership, professional integrity and competence, and serves as a role model for others in the profession.

Richard Cunningham, Assistant Superintendent for Business at Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District in Nassau County was honored with the Dr. Joan Colvin Starfish Award. The Starfish Award recognizes a member of the Association who has made a difference through submission of an article published in The Reporter in the prior calendar year. Richard Cunningham won this year's award with his article, "Building a Positive Relationship with Your Superintendent".