NYSCOSS President Dr. Donna DeSiato and Superintendent of East Syracuse Minoa CSD said “In a time when visionary leadership is more critical than ever, Jennifer Gaffney exemplifies creative thinking, a strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and an unwavering student-centered approach. Jennifer’s commitment to students, educators, and the future of education embodies the very spirit of this award. It is an honor to recognize a leader whose impact will be felt for generations.”
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
“These goals aren’t just strategic, they’re personal,” said Gaffney. “They reflect our shared belief that every student deserves to be seen, heard, supported, and empowered - and that every member of our school team plays an essential role in shaping the collective future of our communities.”
“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.