Annual awards recognize superintendents driving meaningful progress for students, educators, and communities through visionary leadership
Albany, NY and Charlotte, NC (May 6, 2026) — The New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), in partnership with Discovery Education, today announced the recipients of the 2026 NYSCOSS Excellence in Leadership Awards, honoring superintendents who are advancing student success and strengthening school communities through innovative, results-driven leadership.
As the professional and advocacy organization for school superintendents in New York State, NYSCOSS established the Excellence in Leadership Awards to elevate district leaders who are navigating evolving challenges with clarity, courage, and a clear focus on student outcomes. Award recipients were selected through a competitive nomination and review process that evaluated evidence of impact across district growth, community engagement, school culture, and instructional leadership.
At a time when districts are balancing rising expectations, workforce demands, and rapid change, this year’s honorees demonstrate how strong leadership translates into lasting improvement for students and educators alike. The 2026 NYSCOSS Excellence in Leadership Award recipients are:
- Innovative Leadership Champion: Krislynn Dengler, Superintendent at Glens Falls City School District
- District Growth Champion: Lisa Wiles, Superintendent at Ellenville Central School District
- Positive School Culture Champion: Rob Price, Superintendent at Onondaga Central School District
- Community Improvement Champions: David Mauricio, Superintendent at Peekskill City School District and Gretchen Rosales, Superintendent at Elba Central School District
“These leaders reflect what effective, student-centered superintendency looks like in action,” said Charles Dedrick, Executive Director of NYSCOSS. “Their work shows how thoughtful leadership can strengthen instruction, empower educators, and build trust with communities. We are proud to recognize superintendents whose impact is shaping the future of public education in New York State.”
“Discovery Education is proud of our long‑standing partnership with NYSCOSS and the opportunity to support this unique event celebrating superintendents from across New York State. These awards are especially meaningful, honoring leaders whose work exemplifies innovation, district growth, positive school culture, and meaningful community impact. It is an honor and a privilege to celebrate these leaders and the important work they are doing to strengthen schools and communities across New York.” Judson Aungst, Vice President of Educational Partnerships
NYSCOSS exists to support, advocate for, and elevate the work of school superintendents on behalf of students and communities across New York. Discovery Education, a global education technology leader and partner of NYSCOSS, empowers educators and advances student learning through innovative, standards-aligned digital solutions.
Learn more about the NYSCOSS Excellence in Leadership Awards and the 2026 recipients here
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About the New York State Council of School Superintendents
The New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) is the premier educational organization in New York State influencing the development of policy and supporting the leadership of the superintendency. Aprofessional and advocacy organization with over a century of service to school superintendents and assistant superintendents, NYSCOSS promotes the education of all children of New York State by providing its more than 1000 members with numerous professional development opportunities, publications and personal services, while advocating for public education and the superintendency. Learn more at www.nyscoss.org.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a global education technology leader whose innovative solutions empower educators and progress student learning. Discovery Education’s solutions have served more than 100 million students globally, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of U.S. K-12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, high-quality standards-aligned content, and AI-enabled teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and career-connected learning, including instructionally-aligned content developed through one-of-a-kind partnerships with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance into every lesson. Learn more at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.
Contacts
Deidre Hungerford
New York State Council of School Superintendents
deidre@nyscoss.org
Ali Koper
Discovery Education
akoper@discoveryed.com
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