Rochester CSD Administrator Honored as Leader in Digital Education

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Annmarie Lehner

ALBANY, NY (03/21/2018) (readMedia)-- Annmarie Lehner, chief information officer for the Rochester City School District has been selected as the recipient of the 2018 Leader in Digital Education Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award recognizes a SAANYS member who has demonstrated exceptional, creative leadership in harnessing the potential of technology to further teaching and student achievement. The candidate will have demonstrated excellent organizational and communication skills in supporting and promoting such innovative digital practices for his/her learning community.

A nationally recognized leader, Lehner has been actively involved in the Council of Great City Schools (CGCS) for many years, and has given several invited talks to the national organization. CGCS is a membership organization comprised of 70 of the nation's large urban school districts. Commented Robert Carlson, director of management services for the CGCS, "My work with the CGCS, as well as my previous work as a senior executive in a major urban school district has provided me with the opportunity to interact with some of the best, brightest, and hardest working professionals in the business. Annmarie Lehner is without a doubt at the very top of this group."

Commented Superintendent of Schools Barbara Deane-Williams, "As a recognized national leader in the field, she is a dynamic communicator and team builder with the ability to cultivate and manage high-quality strategic partnerships with business and educational leaders." Deane-Williams continued, "She has constantly demonstrated exceptional and creative leadership in harnessing the potential of technology to further teaching and student achievement within the Rochester City School District."

Lehner has implemented several innovative programs in the Rochester City School District, not the least of which is her mission to provide cost-free home internet access to low income families in the City of Rochester. Her tireless work in this area has since expanded beyond her initial focus, bringing together all the large urban districts across New York State, forming the Coalition for Upstate Broadband (CURB). Commented Principal Jennifer Gkourlias, "Annmarie Lehner is a visionary, steadfast leader whose actions have singlehandedly transformed our Rochester City School District. Her vision, articulation thereof, and stewardship of the digital transformation project has been inspirational. She is truly among the best in her field and we would not be where we are as an educational system without this competent and forthright leader."

Commented Glen Van Derwater, executive director of instructional technology, "Annmarie's popularity among the staff with whom she works and the professionals she supports is testament to her interpersonal skills, dedication to education, and loyalty to the Rochester City School District."

Lehner is also praised fro her focus on professional development for both teachers and administrators amid the district's "digital transformation" - meeting educators "where they are" in their use of instructional technology.

Lehner received her associate of applied science degree in data management from Monroe Community College and her bachelor of science in organizational management degree from Roberts Wesleyan College.

Lehner will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 4 at the Century House in Latham, New York.

SAANYS represents over 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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