2026 New York State Superintendent of the Year

Sackets Harbor CSD Superintendent Jennifer L. Gaffney named as the 2026 New York State Superintendent of the Year.

2025 New York State Superintendent of the Year

Tarrytown UFSD Superintendent Dr. Raymond Sanchez named as the 2025 New York State Superintendent of the Year.

NYSCOSS Testimony on Foundation Aid Report

Read The Council’s testimony on the future of Foundation Aid and our approach for reviewing while providing recommended changes for the 2024-25 budget.

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Upcoming Programs & Events

Events
September 17 - April 17, 2026

Take Time to Take Care of Yourself

We are thrilled to once again partner with Equitable on the Take Time to Take Care of Yourself Series. This series is designed to help you navigate important aspects of personal and professional life with confidence and ease. Each session will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance your well-being and financial health.
October 7 - January 6, 2026

Resilient Leadership Institute

A superintendent’s steadiness shapes an entire system. This four-part series invites superintendents and assistant superintendents to look inward into the biology of stress, the psychology of compassion, and the small, repeatable moves that foster both. Each one-hour session braids: Science – concise, research-backed insights on the nervous system, cognitive load, and the ripple effects of compassionate leadership. Practice – guided micro-exercises (breath, embodiment, reflective writing) to build real-time regulation and perspective-taking skills. Community Building – structured protocols that transform the room into a circle of trust, turning isolation into collegial support. Spaced scheduling gives leaders room to apply the tools between meetings and return with lived experience, questions, and data from their own districts.
October 16, 2025

Legal Leadership in Education

Join us for our Legal Leadership in Education: Navigating Rights, Responsibilities and Risk located at our new offices in Latham, NY.
October 28, 2025

Aspiring Superintendents Workshop

Are you considering a future as a school superintendent? Join us for an exclusive, one-day Aspiring Superintendents Workshop, designed for school leaders who are exploring the next step in their careers.
November 7, 2025

Long Island University Women's Initiative

In partnership with NYSCOSS, LEAF, Inc. and Long Island University we are pleased to offer the Women's Initiative on the LIU campus at the Roosevelt House.
November 13 - 14, 2025

Women's Initiative Summit 2025

Bridging Voices, Building Leaders: Women Shaping Tomorrow's Education Today Our program is designed to empower and celebrate women in educational leadership. Participants will have the invaluable opportunity to network and explore topics on confidence, celebrating strengths and developing leadership skills.
November 16 - 17, 2025

New Superintendents Institute

Designed specifically for first-year superintendents, this institute offers essential guidance, community, and practical learning to help you thrive in your new leadership role. We also invite superintendents new to the state to participate, find supports in New York and to grow your network.
December 10, 2025

New Superintendents Coffee & Conversation

Join us for a brief check in with new superintendents from around the state to discuss issues on your mind or share ideas with colleagues and NYSCOSS. Veteran superintendents will be on hand to share guidance and experiences.
January 26, 2026

New Superintendents Institute

Designed specifically for first-year superintendents, this institute offers essential guidance, community, and practical learning to help you thrive in your new leadership role. We also invite superintendents new to the state to participate, find supports in New York and to grow your network.
March 2, 2026

New Superintendents Institute: Winter Institute

Designed specifically for first-year superintendents, this institute offers essential guidance, community, and practical learning to help you thrive in your new leadership role. We also invite superintendents new to the state to participate, find supports and to grown your network.
March 25, 2026

New Superintendents Coffee & Conversation

Join us for a brief check in with new superintendents from around the state to discuss issues on your mind or share ideas with colleagues and NYSCOSS. Veteran superintendents will be on hand to share guidance and experiences.
May 20, 2026

New Superintendents Coffee & Conversation

Join us for a brief check in with new superintendents from around the state to discuss issues on your mind or share ideas with colleagues and NYSCOSS. Veteran superintendents will be on hand to share guidance and experiences.

Important Dates to Remember

Find out what’s due when and get resources to help you succeed.
Oct
13
2025
todayFinal Application Due
NYS Superintendent of the Year Application Due
Final application due for 2025-26 award process. 
Learn about process and next steps here.  
Jan
02
2026
todayNominations Due
2026 Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Nominations
Nominate a member for the scholarship today!
Learn how here.  
Jan
09
2026
todayNominations Due
2026 Friend of The Council Nominations
Nominate a non-member for Friend of The Council.
Learn how here.  
Jan
09
2026
todayNominations Due
2026 Appreciation Award Nominations
Nominate a member for the Appreciation Award.
Learn how here.  
Jan
16
2026
todayApplications Due
2026 Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship 
Apply for the scholarship today!
Learn how here.  
Jan
16
2026
todayApplications Due
2026 Past Presidents' Scholarship 
Apply for the scholarship today!
Learn how here. 
Jun
26
2026
todayNominations Due
Distinguished Service Award Nominations
Nominate a retired life member for the 2026 award.
Learn how here
Jun
26
2026
todayNominations Due
2026 Raymond R. Delaney Annual Memorial Scholarship Nomination
Nominate a member for the scholarship today!
Learn how here.  
Jul
24
2026
todayApplications Due
2026 Raymond R. Delaney Memorial Scholarship 
Apply for the scholarship today!
Learn how here.   

For New Superintendents

We offer tailored support so the transition to the superintendency is successful:

Join The Council

Explore the benefits of membership by joining or becoming a partner.

Member Spotlight

2025-2026 President
Donna J. DeSiato

Superintendent
East Syracuse Minoa CSD

 

  • Hear her President's address
    at the 2025 Fall Leadership Summit.
  • East Syracuse Minoa, an exemplary
    student-centered learning community!
  • Follow her on X.

Advocacy

We exist for one reason only - to help our members succeed on behalf of the children and communities they serve. One way we pursue that goal is through advocacy - for, with, and by our members.

View resources to help advocate for your school district and community.
Ask an expert

Should I Become a Strategic Partner?

March 26, 2025

The NYSCOSS Strategic Partnership program provides opportunities for companies, associations and organizations to connect with school district leaders from all over New York State while simultaneously providing a separate revenue stream from dues to fund legal services and professional development.

To learn more, connect with Deidre Hungerford, Associate Director for Business Development, at deidre@nyscoss.org or call 518.694.4885.

New Videos

2025 Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Presentation
Watch Now
Run Time: 7:00 Min
2024 Distinguished Service Award - Sponsored by NYSIR
Watch Now
Run Time: 9:44 Min
2025 Past Presidents' Scholarship Presentation - Sponsored by zSpace
Watch Now
Run Time: 4:00 Min
2025 Appreciation Award Ceremony - Sponsored by Mosaic Associates Architects
Watch Now
Run Time: 6:47 Min

2025 Fall Leadership Summit

Advancing Innovation:  Leading and Learning at the Pace of Change

Saratoga Springs City Center and Saratoga Hilton
Saratoga Springs, NY 

September 28-30, 2025

Education Session Call for Proposals is now closed.
Event and housing registration now open for attendees. Review event website to learn more and to register.
Publications

Councilgram: Connecting the School Leadership Community

Featured in This Issue:

  • Leading with Intention, Connection, and Direction
  • Member News & Views
  • 2025 Fall Leadership Summit Award Winners

Job Board

  • Superintendent of Schools
  • Location…Riverhead CSD,  Riverhead, NY
    Salary…regionally competitive
     
  • Superintendent of Schools
  • Location…South Seneca CSD,  Ovid, NY
    Salary…starting at $168,000
     
  • Superintendent of Schools
  • Location…Depew UFSD,  Depew, NY
    Salary…min. $200,000
     

Thank You to Our Strategic Partners

 

sponsored