Wappingers Central School District Leader Honored with SAANYS Leader in Digital Education Award

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Art Schouten, Director of Instructional Technology, Library Media Services, and Career and Technical Education for the Wappingers Central School District

ALBANY, NY (03/31/2026) (readMedia)-- Art Schouten, director of instructional technology, library media services, and career and technical education for the Wappingers Central School District, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 SAANYS Leader in Digital Education Award. This award recognizes a SAANYS member who has demonstrated exceptional, creative leadership in harnessing the potential of technology to further teaching and student achievement.?

Schouten has been active in education in the state of New York since 2003 and has served as the director of instructional technology, library media services, and career and technical education for the Wappingers Central School District since 2015.

Schouten says that throughout his tenure he has championed "Project-Based Learning as a framework for engaging students in authentic, hands-on problem solving that blends STEM/STEAM principles with digital tools." He adds that this approach has created "opportunities for learners to explore real world challenges."

Integrated technology, Schouten adds, has helped "ensure that students are not just consumers of knowledge but creators, innovators, and critical thinkers." He has also been instrumental in working with his technology integration team "to provide professional development and coaching opportunities to help teachers who seek to adopt technology in ways that directly support student achievement and classroom learning."

Dr. Michael Kealy, executive director of technology for the Arlington Central School District, says that Schouten "is a thoughtful, innovative, and collaborative leader who consistently seeks new ways to leverage technology to enhance student learning. His influence extends beyond his own district, positively impacting the broader Mid-Hudson Valley region."

Dr. Kealy points out that Schouten's "leadership and contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was honored with the 2024 NYSCATE Empire Award and the 2019 NYSCATE Outstanding Leader Award – both testaments to his dedication and impact in the field of educational technology."

Roy C. Ketcham High School Principal David Seipp says that Schouten is "not only a creative problem-solver but also a visionary leader who inspires others to embrace technology in ways that elevate both teaching and student success." Seipp adds that Schouten "has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to envision, design, and implement digital practices that directly advance student achievement."

Daren Lolkema, assistant superintendent for administration & information systems for the Wappingers Central School District, says that Schouten "has shown amazing leadership, creativity, compassion, and professionalism to the hundreds of educators and students he supports on a yearly basis. Through his effective leadership, we as a district, have been able to enhance the classroom experience for all learners K-12."

Schouten received his master's degree from the University of Phoenix and his bachelor's degree from Hartwick College. He also received a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) from SUNY New Paltz.

Schouten 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).