The Appreciation Award is given in recognition of an active members' efforts on behalf of the New York State Council of School Superintendents and its initiatives. This year we honor an outstanding superintendent who has provided exceptional leadership, contributed important ideas, and given freely of her time while continuing to to actively serve NYSCOSS and LEAF, Inc.
2025 Appreciation Award Recipient
Barbara J. Case, Superintendent
Spencer-Van Etten CSD
We are proud to honor Barbara Case, Superintendent, Spencer-Van Etten CSD as this year's Appreciation Award recipient. Barbara's outstanding contributions to The Council and her unwavering dedication to advancing its mission make her truly deserve this recognition.
Throughout her tenure, Barbara has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to NYSCOSS and LEAF, Inc. She has consistently gone above and beyond to contribute her time, energy, and expertise while serving on several committees including our Wellness, Curriculum and Instruction, Federal Legislative, Nomination, House of Delegates, Commissioners Advisory Council, LEAF, Inc. Board, and Cabinet Committee.
Barbara has also been a pivotal leader in the Women's Initiative, an effort dedicated to supporting and empowering women in educational leadership. Her commitment to mentoring emerging female leaders and fostering an inclusive environment has not only strengthened the initiative but also inspired countless individuals. Barbara has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for women to thrive, breaking barriers and setting a standard for equity and excellence in school leadership.
We honored Barbara during the Sunday Opening Keynote at our 2025 Winter Institute & Lobby Day on March 2, 2025. Thanks to Partner Mosaic Associates for sponsoring this year's award.
Pictured: NYSCOSS President Lars Clemensen, Hampton Bays UFSD; Barbara Case, Distinguished Service Chair Lorna Lewis, Malverne, and NYSCOSS Executive Director Chuck Dedrick.
2026 Award Nomination Process
Individuals are nominated by a colleague in the field of education, by an active member of The Council, or a Council staff member.
Final selections are made by the Distinguished Service Committee and presented at our Winter Institute & Lobby Day each year. A selected individual:
- Volunteers time on behalf of NYSCOSS (e.g., offers webinars and workshops, participates actively on a committee, etc.).
- Has been active with several activities throughout their membership.
- Is recognized in education as an leader (e.g., by colleagues, in his/her community, by NYSCOSS).
- Is nominated by a colleague or Council staff.
The Distinguished Service Committee, composed of current Council presidents and past presidents who are active superintendents, screen all nominations for selection of one candidate. Review a complete list of Appreciation Award recipients here.
For details or to nominate an individual contact:
Deidre G. Hungerford
Associate Director for Business Development
E: deidre@nyscoss.org
T: 518.694.4885
Twitter: @deehungerford28 #NYSCOSSWell