LEAF, Inc. Board of Directors

Goals

• Professional Development - Provide professional development to school leaders and district leadership teams by offering opportunities that are responsive to changes in expectations, timely, relevant, and affordable.
• Communication - Expand the knowledge of superintendents, assistant superintendents and district leadership team members about LEAF's professional development offerings by effectively marketing opportunities to superintendents, assistant superintendents, and district leadership team members.
• Technology - Use technology to operate more effectively as an organization and provide greater professional development opportunities to superintendents, assistant superintendents, and district leadership team members.

• Governance - The LEAF Board of Directors will continually review the organizational structure of the Foundation to ensure that they are operating effectively and providing the highest quality programs and services to school leaders.
• Fiscal Wellness - The LEAF Board of Directors will develop a LEAF fiscal wellness plan to ensure fiscal health and sustainability. 

Board Members

David O'Rourke, President / District Superintendent, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES

Lynn Allen, Treasurer / Deputy Superintendent, Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES

Jason Andrews, Superintendent, Windsor CSD

Dale Breault, District Superintendent, Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES

Luvelle Brown, Superintendent, Ithaca City Schools

Barbara Case, Superintendent, Spencer Van-Etten CSD

Rebecca Dunckel, Lowville Academy & CSD

Jerry Griffin, Superintendent, Potsdam CSD

Phyllis Harrington, Superintendent, Oceanside UFSD

Lisa Krueger, Superintendent, West Seneca CSD

Kevin McGowan, Superintendent, Brighton CSD

Laura Seinfeld, Dean, Long Island University College of Education, Information & Technology

Mark Stratton, Superintendent, Corinth CSD

Charles Dedrick, Ex Officio Member / Executive Director, NYSCOSS

LEAF, Inc. Subscription Service for Professional Learning

2025-2026 Future Superintendents Academy Brochure

Winter Institute & Lobby Day

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 Winter Institute offers keynote addresses by national experts in the fields of leadership, education, advocacy 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.

2025 Winter Institute & Lobby Day
Expanding the Horizon:
The Promise of Public Education
March 2-4, 2025
Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY
Thanks to Title Sponsor Utica National Insurance Group!

Thank you for joining us at the 2025 Winter Institute & Lobby Day. We learned, laughed and connected. Enjoy these highlights from the keynote sessions:

Sunday Opening Keynote Session
- Hampton Bays Student Performance and Presidential Address with Lars Clemensen, Superintendent, Hampton Bays.
- 2025 Appreciation Award Presentation with Barbara J. Case, Superintendent, Spencer-Van Etten CSD. 
- 2024 Distinguished Service Award Presentation with Retired Life Member Dr. Clark J. Godshall.
- Thank You Partner Energia for sponsoring Sunday's Keynote presentation. 

Monday Morning Keynote Session
- 2025 NYS Superintendent of the Year Presentation with Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent, Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.
- 2025 Winter Institute Ignite Presentation with Dr. Lorna Lewis, Superintendent, Malverne UFSD.
- 2025 Winter Institute Ignite Presentation with Dr. Mike Doughty, Assistant Superintendent, NERIC, Capital Regional BOCES.
- Monday Morning Keynote Podcast with Superintendent Brian Graham, Grand Island.
- NYS Leaders of Color for Education Special Announcement with Superintendents Dr. Aurelia L. Henriquez, Port-Chester-Rye UFSD and Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi, Nyack Public Schools. 

Tuesday Closing Keynote Session
- 2025 Past Presidents’ Scholarship Presentation with Kaitlin Ring, Elementary Principal, Southwestern CSD
- 2025 Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Presentation with Darnell Douglas, School Counselor, Bethlehem CSD
- Thank You Partner Keenan & Associates for sponsoring this closing session. 

 A big shoutout to Utica National Insurance Group, the title sponsor, for making it all possible. Their support allows NYSCOSS to continue bringing together educators and leaders for these transformative events.

Our Education Session Call for Proposals portal for the 2025 Fall Leadership Summit opens May 5, 2025. Final proposal submissions are due by Friday, June 13, 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  

• 2025 Fall Leadership Summit
  September 28 - 30, 2025 
  Saratoga Hilton & Saratoga Springs City Center
  Saratoga Springs, NY
  
  
• 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

Blueprint Strategic Planning Service

Practical, Focused, Collaborative, Meaningful. A simplified process that will help your organization get to where you want to be.

The Blueprint for Excellence© Strategic Planning Service is a straightforward strategic planning process that includes all members of the school community and reflects their shared perspectives. Throughout the process, community feedback and data are reviewed in order to guide all aspects of work in the organization with a focus on increasing student learning and improving stakeholder engagement.

We focus on helping school leaders identify opportunities for growth and then develop practical and specific strategies to continuously improve. This is a step-by-step process facilitated with and for the superintendent. Each step in the process is developed, prepared or facilitated on behalf of the district. The Superintendent works as a partner to provide input and direction but then all materials are created for the district and provided for distribution. Instead of being a burden, this process will help the work of the district to become streamlined and focused. 2024-25 Blueprint Strategic Planning Service Brochure.

2024-25 Blueprint Strategic Planning Service Fees

A typical Blueprint Strategic Planning Service process can be completed in a month or over a longer period of time, depending on district need. All on-site (2.5 days) and off-site work (2.5 days), expenses, materials and administrative fees are a total of $16,500*. This includes the consultant being available for up to 5 hours for remote consultation/coaching with the district). An administrative fee of 10% will be billed in addition to the fees above. *Additional time may be purchased.  The Blueprint for Excellence© Strategic Planning Service is BOCES aidable. 

About the Program Directors

Dr. Kevin McGowan is the Superintendent of Brighton CSD, a suburban district located in Monroe County, NY. Dr. McGowan joined the district in 2009 following his superintendency in  Warsaw CSD. He has also served as an elementary principal, high school assistant principal and elementary teacher. Throughout his work in each position, Dr. McGowan has focused on high quality systems that provide consistency, accountability and a focus on meeting the needs of all learners. 

Dr. McGowan is an adjunct professor at both the University of Rochester, Warner School of Education and SUNY Oswego in the Superintendent's Development Program. He is the President of the Leadership for Educational Achievement Foundation and a Past-President of the New York State Council of School Superintendents. 
 
Dr. Jason Andrews is the Superintendent of the Windsor Central Schools, a position he has held since 2005 and was named the NYS Superintendent of the Year in 2019. He has served as a high school teacher, coach, co-curricular advisor and middle school principal. As superintendent, he has focused on systemic implementation of Professional Learning Communities as the vehicle to ensure student learning and a culture of continuous improvement.

Dr. Andrews is an adjunct professor at both SUNY Oswego in the Superintendent's Development Program, and at the Graduate School of Education at Binghamton University. He serves as the Vice President of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, on the Leadership for Educational Achievement Foundation's Board of Directors, the National Center for Educational Research and Technology National Board and is a charter member of the Institute for Innovation.

Questions? Email blueprint@nyscoss.org for more information.

Fall Leadership Summit

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

Attendee registration officially opens on Monday, June 2, 2025. Partner registration opens late June after contract negotiations.

Step into the vanguard of educational excellence with "Advancing Innovation: Leading & Learning at the Pace of Change," -- a transformative event designed to empower K-12 superintendents as they navigate the dynamic landscape of education. 

Dive into these six captivating strands, from harnessing technology and data for transformative learning to cultivating agility and adaptability within education systems. Hear from renowned experts as they share strategies for empowering educators, building collaborative networks, and ensuring equitable access to innovative opportunities for every student.

Strand 1: Innovative Leadership for Transformation - Navigating Change and Shaping the Future
Innovative Leadership for transforming education systems by inspiring change, fostering a culture of innovation, and navigating disruptions to create sustainable, student-centered outcomes.

Strand 2: Leveraging Technology and Data for Transformative Learning
Leveraging technology and data to enable personalized learning, AI applications, and responsive learning environments that address diverse student needs in real-time.

Strand 3: Agility and Adaptability in Education Systems
Emphasizing agility and adaptability in education systems to quickly redesign curricula, assessments, and structures in response to shifting societal and educational evolving demands.

Strand 4: Empowering Educators and Well-Being: Building a Culture of Continuous Growth
Empowering educators through continuous professional development, mentorship, leadership training, and wellness practices to support resilience and personal growth so educators can thrive in rapidly evolving environments.

Stand 5: Collaborative Innovation - Building Networks and Partnerships for Shared Success
Promoting collaborative innovation through partnerships between schools, districts, higher education, businesses, and community organizations to foster student success, resource allocation and research-driven initiatives. 

Strand 6: Innovation for All - Ensuring Access and Opportunity for Every Student
Ensuring access and opportunities for all students by making innovative educational practices accessible and using them to close achievement gaps.

Call for Education Session Proposals

Our Education Session Call for Proposal portal opens May 5th for the the 2025 Fall Leadership Summer. Final proposals are due by Friday, June 13, 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.