Schalmont Education Leader Honored for Life-Long Contributions

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Eugene (Gene) Gordon

ALBANY, NY (03/27/2018) (readMedia)-- Eugene (Gene) Gordon, retired principal from the Schalmont Central School District, has been selected as the 2018 recipient of the Irving Schwartz Distinguished Retiree Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

Embracing retirement as an opportunity for continued community service, Gordon has worked tirelessly to serve SAANYS and numerous other community organizations. A longtime member of SAANYS since 1986, Gordon has served both on the regional executive committee as well as regional representative. He noted, "As a regional representative in SAANYS, I had the opportunity to assist members on a wide variety of issues from negotiations to professional relationships with colleagues, teachers, superintendents, and school board members." Commented colleague Tom Sands, "Gene has been a key individual for years working for the region's Day at the Races and Support a Scholar Golf Tournament. He has also assisted in the Recognition Dinner and has been on the selection committee for our student scholarships. SAANYS has been very fortunate to have benefitted from Gene Gordon's outstanding efforts over the years."

Continued Sands, "Recently, Gene has worked diligently to rejuvenate the Retirees Group and through his leadership planned the well-received Lessons Learned professional development program." Gordon, worked with SAANYS in the development of Lessons Learned, a professional development program that brings together veteran administrators, most of whom are retirees, and newer administrators in their first 3-4 years of service, for conversations on the most challenging aspects of school administration. Plans are underway to launch this program statewide.

Gordon received his bachelor of arts in sociology, master of science in education, and master of science in educational administration from the University at Albany.

Irving Schwartz was a founding member of SAANYS. This award is given annually to a retired SAANYS member who, in retirement, has made significant contributions to the welfare of the association, education, and the greater community.

Gordon will be honored for his contributions at an awards ceremony on May 4 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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