Dr. Mary Barter was an exceptional educational leader during a time when few women held the title of superintendent. The scholarship was initiated to inspire and promote more diversity for those interested in the field of educational leadership. The Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship was renamed to honor Dr. Mary Barter, the first female president of NYSCOSS.
2025 Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Recipient
Darnell W. Douglas
School Counselor
Bethlehem CSD
Darnell is currently enrolled in the Russell Sage Instructional Leadership Program. His drive, thoughtful insights, and extraordinary organizational skills have allowed Darnell to excel not only in class, but professionally as well. He views leadership as something that is not about self-interest but rather about empowering those around him. These are some of the reasons that the Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Committee selected him for this award.
We honored Darnell Douglas at the 2025 Winter Institute Tuesday Closing Ideas Keynote on March 4, 2025.
Pictured: NYSCOSS Executive Director Chuck Dedrick; Superintendent Jody Monroe, Bethlehem, CSD; Darnell Douglas; Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Chair Turina Parker, District Superintendent, Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES; and President Lars Clemensen, Superintendent, Hampton Bays.
2026 Scholarship Process
The scholarship of $2,000 is awarded annually and presented to those individuals enrolled in a graduate study program through which a Doctoral Degree and/or Certification as a School District Administrator. It is presented at our
Winter Institute.
The Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Committee, composed of active superintendents, screens all applications against selection criteria and reviews credentials for selection of one candidate in January of each year. Applicants must be nominated by an active superintendent of The Council by sending a
nomination form to Deidre Hungerford. The nomination deadline is on Friday, January 2nd for the 2026 award. Candidates are then responsible for sending all required documentation and the completed application for the award by Friday, January 16, 2026.
Criteria for Selection
- The scholarship was created to encourage diversity among educational leaders. Practicing school superintendents are not eligible.
- Must show promise for success as a school administrator as evidenced by the quality of the candidate’s education, experience, and references.
- Must exhibit promise for leadership as demonstrated by previous success in an administrative or supervisory role (e.g., a teacher who has demonstrated leadership activities, such as a department chairperson).
- Must display readiness to assume an administrative role in the field of education and the likelihood that the candidate will serve in the superintendency during his/ her career.
- Must be currently enrolled in a graduate study program leading to a Doctoral Degree and/or Certification as a School District Administrator.
For details or to nominate a candidate contact:
Deidre G. Hungerford
Associate Director for Business Development
E:
deidre@nyscoss.org
T: 518.694.4885
Twitter: @deehungerford28 #NYSCOSSWell