SK, Jefferson Superintendent Earns Rural Schools Award

ALBANY — Rural schools in New York State serve students in communities that are geographically isolated, often with low population density and limited access to the resources found in more urbanized areas. These schools make up a significant portion of the state’s educational landscape, encompassing over half of New York’s school districts. They are known for close-knit communities, strong relationships between staff and students, and a deep commitment to local values and traditions. Despite facing challenges such as limited funding, transportation hurdles, and difficulties in attracting and retaining staff, rural schools remain resilient and innovative, providing high-quality education and serving as central hubs of community life across upstate and outlying regions.

The Rural Schools Association of New York State (RSA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the unique needs of rural school districts across New York. Serving as a vital voice for more than 300 member districts, RSA provides research, policy analysis, professional development, and legislative advocacy to ensure rural schools have equitable access to resources and opportunities. By fostering collaboration among educators, administrators, and policymakers, RSA works to strengthen the quality of rural education, address the challenges of geographic isolation, and promote educational excellence for students in every corner of the state.

Additionally, through its awards committee, RSA enjoys acknowledging and celebrating excellence in rural education. Annually RSA seeks to identify deserving recipients for five awards. 

These include:

• NYS Rural Teacher of the Year Award allows RSA to shine a light on the high quality of educational programs and services taking place in our rural schools. It provides that excellence a chance to be shared with media, other districts and with state and national leaders. It is a tremendous source of pride not only for the home district and its students, but for all of us who know exactly what it takes to excel in a rural environment. The awardee is entered in the National Rural Education Association’s country-wide National Teacher of the Year program

• Anne Z. Pauling Award is presented annually to an individual the RSA board believes exemplifies the spirit of dedication, service, insight and support for rural education that was provided to RSA by its longtime board chair Anne Paulin. The recipient personifies leadership through service, creativity in problem solving and unwavering devotion to public education in our rural schools.

• William Deming Award is named in honor of William “Bill” Deming, one of RSA’s founders and early forces behind the association. The award focuses on an individual who shows tremendous energy, service and excellence on behalf of rural schools through their work in RSA.

• RSA’s Leader of the Year Award is annually presented to a state or federal official who serves rural education through their position.

• The James C. Dawson Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor of Regent James “Jim” Dawson. Jim served as chair of the State Aid Committee of the Regents for many, many years. He traveled incessantly throughout his region visiting rural schools and ensuring that their needs were heard at the highest levels. The recipient of the Dawson Award exemplifies the lifetime of service shown by Jim Dawson.

This year’s recipients continue the tradition of exemplifying the dedication and service these awards represent. 

" I feel it is a privilege to support our rural schools and an honor to be recognized with such an award. It truly takes a team in the schools, in the community, and as a region  to best serve our students. We are truly better together and achieve more in collaboration than trying to do it alone.," said Dr. Ceng, superinttendent at Jefferson Central and South Kortright Central School."  

To learn more about the Rural Schools Association of NY please visit: https://rsany.org/