New York superintendents recognized for excellence in leadership

(L-R) Matthew Cook, District Superintendent Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES, 2025 Innovative Award Honoree David Bills, Superintendent, West Genesse CSD, Judson Aungst, Charles Dedrick, Executive Director, NYSCOSS Source: Discovery EducationThe New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) in partnership with Discovery Education, has announced its first ever NYSCOSS Excellence in Leadership Awards.

NYSCOSS is a professional and advocacy organization with over a century of service to school superintendents and assistant superintendents in New York State. The Council provides its more than 875 members with numerous professional development opportunities, publications and personal services, while advocating for public education and the superintendency.

The awards honor school superintendents who embody the spirit of excellence in four different categories—Innovative Leadership, Community Improvement, District Growth, and Positive School Culture.

Following a competitive nomination and application process, the following 2025 winners were named by the Selection Committee:

• Innovative Leader Honoree – David Bills, Superintendent of West Genesee CSD
• Community Improvement Honoree– Loretta Fowler, Superintendent of Chateaugay CSD
• District Growth Honoree – Winsome Gregory, Superintendent of Greenburgh Eleven UFSD
• Positive School Culture Honoree – David Lilleck, Superintendent of Orchard Park CSD 

(L-R) Dale Breault, District Superintendent, Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES, 2025 Community Improvement Honoree Loretta Fowler, Superintendent, Chateaugay CSD, Judson Aungst, Charles Dedrick, Executive Director, NYSCOSS Source: Discovery Education“Congratulations to each of the 2025 NYSCOSS Excellence in Leadership Award recipients,” said NYSCOSS Executive Director Chuck Dedrick. “This recognition reflects the consistent, courageous work you do every day. Thank you for always putting students first. Your impact often goes unseen, but it is deeply felt."

“Discovery Education is proud to join NYSCOSS in congratulating the winners of this year’s Excellence in Leadership Awards,” said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education. “Your efforts to accelerate student growth, scale teacher impact, and motivate learning every day are examples of K-12 leadership at its finest. Thank you for all you do to support the success of the students in your care.”

To learn more about each of the winners, visit the NYSCOSS Excellence in Leadership Awards homepage.

For more information about Discovery Education's digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com.