Additionally, he expanded the district’s prekindergarten program, developed a comprehensive K-12 bilingual education program and launched three in-house career and technical education programs. He also championed financial literacy education, leading the creation of the Baymen Financial Literacy Center at Hampton Bays High School in partnership with Teachers Federal Credit Union, which provides students with real-world financial education, on-campus banking services and opportunities to earn college credit. 

NYSCOSS President Ken Bossert, superintendent of Great Neck UFSD praised Clemensen’s exceptional service, noting that “Lars’ selection as New York State Superintendent of the Year is a reflection of his nearly two decades of deeply committed service to his home district of Hampton Bays, as well as his noteworthy contributions to the county, region, and state that he so humbly serves. His unwavering commitment to equity and to ensuring that every student has access to the very best that public education has to offer has been nothing short of inspirational to all who have had the opportunity to observe his work—and to follow his lead. Lars not only passionately believes in the principle that “all means all;” he demonstrates it through the work he does every day. His leadership, dedication, and advocacy continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and educators and ultimately contribute to the betterment of public education for students across New York State.”

Under Clemensen’s leadership, the district also made history with the opening of the Hampton Bays Middle School, recognized as the first fully LEED-Certified new school in New York State and honored nationally as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.

“I am incredibly humbled to represent New York superintendents and my Hampton Bays community as the NYS Superintendent of the Year,” said Clemensen. “This honor is the result of the work of our Board of Education, dedicated leadership team, outstanding faculty and staff, and above all, our remarkable students. Empowering all students to leverage their potential to soar the day after graduation is our mission and I look forward to continuing to be a part of that work.”

“We are so proud to see Lars recognized as New York State Superintendent of the Year, an honor that reflects his exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to our students, staff and entire Hampton Bays community over the past two decades,” said Board of Education President Kevin Springer. “His leadership has created a culture of excellence, collaboration and pride throughout our schools while continually working to make our district stronger every day, with students at the center of every decision.”  

NYSCOSS President Ken Bossert and Superintendent of Great Neck UFSD said "Lars' selection as the NYS Superintendent of the Year is a reflection of his nearly two decades of deeply committed service to his home district of Hampton Bays, as well as his noteworthy contributions to the county, region and state that he so humbly serves." 

NYSCOSS Executive Director Charles Dedrick expressed “In a time when visionary educational leadership is vital to student success, Lars Clemensen exemplifies, innovation thinking, unwavering dedication, and a deeply student-centered approach. His commitment to enriching educational opportunities and fostering community partnerships embodies the true spirit of this award. It is a privilege to honor a leader whose dedication will positively impact public education for years to come.”

Clemensen is widely recognized as a leader among educators. He previously served as president of NYSCOSS. He also served as president of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association. Today, he continues to contribute to educational leadership at the national level as a governing board member of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. He is also an adjunct professor at Stony Brook University in the Educational Leadership Program and locally serves his community on several scholarship foundation boards and the Rotary Club of Hampton Bays. 

Clemensen will be recognized during The Council Winter Institute in March 2027. He will also represent New York State as its official nominee for National Superintendent of the Year, awarded by the American Association of School Administrators at the National Conference on Education in February 2027.

Jefferson Lewis-Hamilton-Oneida BOCES District Superintendent Stephen Todd said “Jennifer Gaffney is one of the best superintendents I have had the privilege to work with in my 31 years of education. She has led an amazing district on a shoe-string budget, getting more opportunities and programs for her students year after year, even as resources in her district and community have become scarcer. She does this through creativity, partnerships with other districts and community agencies, and a work ethic that keeps her on the go all the time.” 

Gaffney will be formally honored during The Council's Winter Institute, taking place in Albany, March 1–3, 2026. She will also represent New York State as its official nominee for National Superintendent of the Year, awarded by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) at the National Conference on Education in Nashville, Tennessee in February 2026.

Gaffney’s tenure has been marked by visionary yet practical leadership, and her work has drawn attention at the regional, state, and national levels for maximizing impact with limited resources.

She spearheaded the creation of the Sackets Support Center, an initiative that broadened student access to social-emotional, mental health, and academic services by harnessing her team’s expertise and establishing innovative partnerships.

Gaffney led with courage, compassion, and conviction through two major challenges - the COVID-19 pandemic and a regional immigration crisis - grounding her district’s response in student-centered values and transparent, inclusive communication. Her calm, principled leadership during these critical moments, paired with her unyielding commitment to doing what’s best for students, earned her Superintendent of the Year nominations in 2021 and again in 2025.  

NYSCOSS President Dr. Donna DeSiato and Superintendent of East Syracuse Minoa said "In a time when visionary leadership is more critical than ever, Jennifer Gaffney exemplifies creating thinking, a strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and an unwavering student-centered approach." 

This past school year, Gaffney and her colleagues were also named inaugural recipients of The Courage Project Award, a national honor supported by United Way Worldwide, the Freedom Together Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the McKnight Foundation. The award recognizes bold, mission-driven leaders who enact meaningful change.

Under Gaffney’s creative and resourceful leadership, the district has consistently delivered an exceptional educational experience, despite limited resources, by prioritizing innovation, community engagement, and whole-child development. Her leadership is guided by a strong, principled vision: to develop compassionate, confident, and engaged individuals who are ready to lead and succeed in an ever-evolving world.

Under her guidance, the district has advanced five strategic goals:

• Engaging all students in meaningful, future-ready learning
• Promoting a safe and inclusive climate rooted in belonging and connectedness
• Recruiting, developing, and retaining exceptional employees
• Building highly engaged family, community, and business partnerships
• Aligning resources to sustain impactful programs and services

“Jennifer is more than deserving of this recognition,” added the Sackets Harbor Board of Education President, David Altieri. “She works tirelessly to serve and support the students of our community, relentlessly striving to provide all of them with meaningful learning opportunities in a safe, inclusive climate. Jennifer is consistently recognized as a role model of leadership in building partnerships in our community and by marshalling all available resources to support impactful programs and services.”
Gaffney’s selection as the New York State Superintendent of the Year is a testament not only to her accomplishments, but to her deep human approach to leadership, one that centers on relationships, equity, and a belief in the potential of every child.

Executive Director Dr. Charles Dedrick said “Jennifer is one of those steady education leaders who understands the work that needs to be accomplished on behalf of students while simultaneously being a thoughtful, informed leader providing insight into key issues impacting our state and nation. Leadership is at the heart of who Jennifer is. Her leadership example is one to be emulated by other superintendents.”
 
She lives in Adams, New York, with her husband, Derrick, and their three children - Caeden, Bryce, and Josie. As both a mother and a superintendent, she understands firsthand the hopes families carry for their children and the responsibility schools share in helping them realize their full potential. This dual perspective fuels her drive to create schools that nurture not only academic achievement but also compassion, curiosity, and character.