The Council through our foundation LEAF, Inc. supports members by providing exceptional opportunities to expand and enrich their expertise and knowledge in the area of educational administration through statewide annual events. The Fall Leadership Summit offers keynote addresses by national experts in the fields of leadership, education and related areas; opportunities for members to share best practices with colleagues through smaller sessions; an interactive discussion with the Commissioner of Education about New York State issues and initiatives; and networking for support and collegiality among members through social interaction, group discussions, meetings and workshops. The event also hosts an exhibit hall where companies, associations, organizations and foundations can connect with school leaders from across New York State. If you are planning your calendars, make sure to add these important dates:
2025 Fall Leadership Summit
Advancing Innovation: Leading and Learning at the Pace of Change
September 28-30, 2025
Saratoga Hilton & Saratoga Springs City Center
Saratoga Springs, NY
Thank you for attending our 2025 Fall Leadership Summit Advancing Innovation: Leading & Learning at the Pace of Change -- a transformative event that was designed to empower K-12 superintendents as they navigate the dynamic landscape of education. We learned, we laughed and connected. Enjoy these recordings from our keynote sessions. Certain recordings are not available since they are proprietary information.
Sunday Opening Keynote - September 28, 2025:
• Thank You to Title Sponsor Mosaic Associates Architects – Includes NYSCOSS In Memoriam
• Unsung Heroes: Excellence in Leadership Recognition Sponsored by Discovery Education
• NYSCOSS Presidential Welcome with Dr. Donna E. DeSiato, Superintendent, East Syracuse Minoa CSD
• NYSSBA Presidential Remarks with Sandra Ruffo
• NYSCOSS Retired Life Member Recognition
• 2025 Distinguished Service Award Ceremony – Retired Life Member Henry L. Grishman
• Thank You to Sunday Keynote Sponsor Utica National Insurance Group
Monday Morning Keynote - September 29, 2025
• NYSCOSS Past Presidents’ Recognition
• LEAF, Inc. Board of Directors and NYSCOSS Executive Committee Recognition
• 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year Recognition – Prince Johnson
• Monday Morning Keynote - NYSCOSS Ignite Sessions – Includes Thank You to Keynote Sponsor BetterLesson
- Paul Defendini, Superintendent, Farmingdale – Leading Through Crisis with Empathy and Compassion
- James Bialasik, Superintendent, Springville-Griffith Institute – Off the Shelf: Bringing Your Strategic Plan to Life
- Dr. Turina Parker, District Superintendent, WSWHE BOCES – The Human Element of Leadership: Leading with Vision, Passion and Purpose
• 2026 New York State Superintendent of the Year Announcement
Tuesday Closing Keynote - September 30, 2025
• NYSCOSS Immediate Past President Recognition with Lars Clemensen, Superintendent Hampton Bays UFSD
• 2025 Raymond R. Delaney Memorial Scholarship Presentation - Jessica Hutchings, School Social Worker, Grand Island CSD
• LEAF, Inc. Recognition – 2024-2025 Future Superintendents Academy and 2024-2025 New Superintendents Institute
• Thank You to Tuesday Closing Keynote Sponsor zSpace
Call for Education Session Proposals
Our Education Session Call for Proposal portal will open for our 2026 Winter Institute in November 2025. Proposal submissions will be vetted by our Conference Committee. Partners may submit a proposal and must have selected select this option as part of their 2025-2026 contract.
Save the Date for Future Events
- 2026 Winter Institute & Lobby Day
March 1 - 3, 2026
Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY
- 2026 Fall Leadership Summit
September 27 - 29, 2026
Saratoga Hilton & Saratoga Springs City Center
Saratoga Springs, NY
- 2027 Winter Institute & Lobby Day
March 7 - 9, 2027
Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY
- 2027 Fall Leadership Summit
September 26 - 28, 2027
Saratoga Hilton & Saratoga Springs City Center
Saratoga Springs, NY
- 2028 Winter Institute & Lobby Day
March 5 - 7, 2028
Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY
The Council is committed to providing experiences and environments that are welcoming, inviting and user-friendly for all attendees. We recognize that some individuals may required specific accommodations to ensure their full and equal participation in our Fall Leadership Summits. Please contact us at 518.449.1063 should you need assistance.