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Dr.  Mary Barter was an exceptional educational leader during a time when few women held the title of superintendent. The scholarship was initiated to inspire and promote more diversity for those interested in the field of educational leadership. The Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship was renamed to honor Dr. Mary Barter, the first female president of NYSCOSS.

2024 Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship

Franky Simmons
Principal, OHS Castleton
Oceanside Union Free School District

 
Franky Simmons is currently enrolled in the Russell Sage College for Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. His professional and ethical leadership are just some of the reasons that the Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Committee selected him for this award. He also possesses a visionary approach to education by creating environments where student thinking is visible, and learning is experiential. 

The scholarship was presented during the Closing Ideas Keynote on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, and sponsored by Partner Energia. Also Pictured L to R: President Jason Andrews, Windsor; Superintendent Phyllis Harrington, Oceanside; Franky Simmons; Renee Fassano, Business Development Manager, Energia, the award sponsor; District Superintendent Gladys Cruz, Questar III BOCES and Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship  Chair; Executive Director Chuck Dedrick.
 
2025 Scholarship Process 
The scholarship of $2,000 is awarded annually and presented to those individuals enrolled in a graduate study program through which a Doctoral Degree and/or Certification as a School District Administrator. It is presented at our Winter Institute.

The Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Committee, composed of active superintendents, screens all applications against selection criteria and reviews credentials for selection of one candidate in January of each year. Applicants must be nominated by an active superintendent of The Council by sending a nomination form to Deidre Hungerford. The nomination deadline is on Friday, January 3rd for the 2025 award. Candidates are then responsible for sending all required documentation and the completed application for the award by Friday, January 17, 2025.

Criteria for Selection
  1. The scholarship was created to encourage diversity among educational leaders. Practicing school superintendents are not eligible.
  2. Must show promise for success as a school administrator as evidenced by the quality of the candidate’s education, experience, and references.
  3. Must exhibit promise for leadership as demonstrated by previous success in an administrative or supervisory role (e.g., a teacher who has demonstrated leadership activities, such as a department chairperson).
  4. Must display readiness to assume an administrative role in the field of education and the likelihood that the candidate will serve in the superintendency during his/ her career.
  5. Must be currently enrolled in a graduate study program leading to a Doctoral Degree and/or Certification as a School District Administrator.
For details or to nominate a candidate contact:

Deidre G. Hungerford
Associate Director for Business Development

E:  deidre@nyscoss.org 
T:  518.694.4885

Twitter: @deehungerford28 #NYSCOSSWell


2025 Winter Institute & Lobby Day

Expanding the Horizon - The Promise of Public Education

Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY 

March 2-4, 2025

Education Session Call for Proposals is now open.
Attendee and housing registration opens Monday, December 2, 2024.