Windsor CSD Administrator Honored as a Principal of the Year

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Kevin Strahley

ALBANY, NY (03/20/2018) (readMedia)-- The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) has selected Kevin Strahley, principal at Windsor Central Middle School in the Windsor Central School District, as a 2018 New York State Middle School Principal of the Year and the NASSP New York State Principal of the Year. This award is given annually to a member of SAANYS and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to recognize outstanding principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession.

An administrator in a school with a 51 percent poverty rate, Strahley consistently leads with a "whatever it takes" approach, and continually promotes a positive culture of continuous improvement towards meeting the needs of all learners. To that end he has implemented several innovative programs. Each morning, all students meet in small advisory groups to eat breakfast and participate in discussions, competitions, and community service projects. Additionally, rather than including a study hall in the students' schedules during the day, all students are offered a chance to attend a class period at the end of the day known as Mod 11. During Mod 11, students are able to participate in enrichment classes, clubs, as well as have the opportunity to attend learning centers for extra academic help, hosted by a team of teachers. Commented teacher, Stefanie Olbrys, "All of our Mod 11 activities connect to the curriculum as either a support for students in finding success, or an enrichment opportunity."

The success of all these programs and more are evident by the fact that Windsor Central MS has been honored for the past six years as a Model School by "All Things PLC" and was one of ten National Model Middle Schools to present at the 25th Annual Model School Conference. Commented Associate Principal Toby Youngs, "Kevin's attention to detail helps to ensure that students' needs are being met on a daily basis. His drive to not only meet the needs of students but also to meet the needs of teachers is clearly a priority for him. His ability to push teachers to expand their thinking and to motivate them to pursue continuous improvement has enabled the building to reach new heights in student performance and overall achievement."

Commented Superintendent of Schools Jason Andrews, "Kevin is an exceptionally genuine, honest, and ethical leader who is very warm, friendly, and sensitive. He cares deeply about the students and staff for whom he is responsible."

Noted 8th grade student Ava Sacco, "There are so many things we appreciate about Mr. Strahley. He never fails to make us smile throughout the day because his bright, happy attitude towards our school and life is contagious."

Strahley received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Binghamton University, his certificate of advanced study from SUNY Cortland, and completed the superintendent development program at SUNY Oswego.

Strahley will be honored for his accomplishments at a May awards ceremony in Albany. Strahley has also been chosen as the New York State representative for the National Principal of the Year Award sponsored by NASSP. In addition to selecting a National Principal of the Year from all the state finalists, NASSP honors all state principals of the year at the Principal's Institute held each year in Washington, DC. The Institute not only salutes the principalship but also provides a forum for honorees to advocate for education and share best practices and expertise.

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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