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.
2026 Winter Institute for Leadership & Advocacy
Advancing Innovation: Empowering Transformation for Leading & Learning
March 1 - 3, 2026
Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY
Thank you for joining us for the 2026 Winter Institute for Leadership & Advocacy!
Enjoy this SuperSauce podcast 8 with Sunday Opening Keynote Luis F. Cruz from Solution Tree: "Transform and Roll Out."
Key Ingredients: Transformational Leadership, Culture, Seeds AND Soil, Collaboration, Seeing the Greatness in Each and All.
Acclaimed educational consultant and author Luis Cruz was the keynote speaker at the 2026 NYSCOSS Winter Institute. Join the Super Saucers as they dig a little deeper into his perspectives on transformational leadership and the need for tilling the soil while we plant seeds as collaborators who empower others.
SuperSaucers include Superintendents Kevin McGowan CSD, Brighton; Jason Andrews, Windsor CSD; Ken Bossert, Great Neck UFSD; and Lars Clemensen, Hampton Bays UFSD.
Enjoy these links to events at our three keynotes at the 2026 Winter Institute:
Sunday Opening Keynote
• Thank You toTitle Sponsor and Partner Utica National Insurance Company
• East Syracuse Minoa Student Performance
• President Dr. Donna J. DeSiato, Superintendent, East Syracuse Minoa CSD Welcome
• 2026 Winter Institute Appreciation Award – Dr. Jason A. Andrews, Superintendent, Windsor CSD
• Thank You to Sunday Keynote Sponsor zSpace
Monday Morning Keynote
• 2026 New York State Superintendent of the Year Ceremony – Jennifer L. Gaffney, Superintendent, Sackets Harbor CSD
• The Council’s Ignite Session – Sponsored by Partner Energy Systems Group (ESG)
• Ignite Speaker - Krislynn Dengler, Superintendent, Glens, Falls City School District / Building Teams, Lifting Voices: Creating Spaces Where All Students Belong
• Ignite Speaker - Dale Breault, District Superintendent, Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES / Strong Enough to Be Real: From Imposter to Empowered
• Ignite Speaker - Brian Bailey, Interim Superintendent, Hudson City School District / How to Protect, Serve, and Care for Those Who Protect, Serve, and Care
• Special Announcement – The Council’s Commission on Diversity & Inclusivity – Lily Talcott, Superintendent, Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES
Tuesday Closing Keynote
• Past Presidents’ Scholarship Presentation - Annie Culianos, LCSW, BCBA, LBA, District Wide Behavior Analyst and Social Worker, Public Schools of the Tarrytowns – Sponsored by NYSCOSS Past Presidents
• Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Presentation - Maya Lerner, the Library/Media/Educational, Technology Department Head at Great Neck, North High School, Great Neck UFSD – Sponsored by Partner Ignite Reading
Call for Proposals
Our Education Session Call for Proposals portal for the 2026 Fall Leadership Summit will open in April 2026. Proposal submissions will be vetted by our Conference Committee. Strategic Partners may submit a proposal and must select this option as part of their 2026-2027 contract during their spring renewal.
Save the Date for Future Events
- 2026 Fall Leadership Summit
September 27 - 29, 2026
Saratoga Hilton & Saratoga Springs City Center
Saratoga Springs, NY
- 2027 Winter Institute for Leadership & Advocacy
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 for Leadership & Advocacy
March 5 - 7, 2028
Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY
- 2028 Fall Leadership Summit
September 24 - 26, 2028
Saratoga Hilton & Saratoga Springs City Center
Saratoga Springs, 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 Winter Institute. Please contact us at 518.449.1063 should you need assistance.