Saugerties Administrator Honored for Outstanding Leadership

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Ginger Vail

ALBANY, NY (04/22/2020) (readMedia)-- Ginger Vail, assistant principal at Saugerties Junior High School in the Saugerties Central School District, has been selected for the 2020 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.

Known as a leader who truly understands the social-emotional needs of middle school students, Vail prides herself on knowing each of her student's personal stories. She spearheaded the implementation of the school's Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) initiative, which has since been introduced at the high school level as well. One important component of this initiative has been to solidify the role of the "Redirect Center," a non-punitive space where students can get assistance from a social worker or guidance counselor to address their social-emotional needs. A testament to her leadership, students know her office is also a safe space and regularly seek her out for help and to share successes. Commented Director of Human Resources Daniel Erceg, "She knows every person in the building from student to staff member. She knows when something seems a little off. She knows when someone may have had a bad night at home. Mrs. Vail immediately reaches out to their teachers to make them aware and get their input."

Vail is also active in the community, serving as the softball league coordinator and on the board of the Saugerties Little League. As such, she spearheaded the league's "Light it Up" committee in 2016, an effort to upgrade the girls' facilities to include the installation of lights for evening play. After three years of effort, the lights will be turned on this season. Commented Saugerties Little League Vice President Gregory DeCelle, "She has put in countless hours chairing events and fundraisers as well as working with the business community to help fund the efforts to put lights on our primary softball field. This has been an effort of epic proportions as the cost for the job exceeded $115K. I am proud to serve on our league board with Mrs. Vail and have tremendous respect for her efforts on behalf of the children in our community."

Commented teacher Caren Duke, "Ginger is a natural visionary. She thinks big! From her positive behavioral interventions and supports initiative in the junior high school and her 'Know More' healthy alternatives initiative, to her school and community sports fundraisers, Ginger has an innate ability to bring people together, connecting students, teachers, and community members of all interests."

Commented Jr./Sr. High School Principal Thomas Averill, "She understands what motivates students, and the needs of parents as their children transition from four elementary schools into one Jr./Sr. high school. Finding ways to create an environment conducive to their age and maturity level has been the hallmark of her administrative leadership."

Vail will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony at a later date.