At the NYSCOSS Winter Institute, I had the privilege of sitting down with three outstanding superintendents immediately following their keynote presentations. Each brought a powerful and deeply personal message to educational leaders from across New York State.

Dale L. Breault Jr., District Superintendent of Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES in the North Country near the St. Lawrence River, shared his keynote message, Strong Enough to Be Real: From Imposter to Empowered. Dale spoke candidly about imposter syndrome and the quiet voice of self-doubt that even seasoned leaders experience. His message resonated deeply in the room. He challenged leaders to acknowledge those doubts without being defined by them, and to lead from a place of authenticity by embracing their strengths, lived experiences, and purpose. His perspective was a reminder that vulnerability and strength are not opposites. They are partners.

Dr. Krislynn Dengler, Superintendent, Glens Falls City Schools. in her keynote Building Teams, Lifting Voices: Creating Spaces Where All Students Belong, focused on the power of perseverance, servant leadership, and elevating voices that are too often unheard. She emphasized that belonging does not happen by accident. It requires intentional systems, empowered teams, and leaders who listen deeply to students, staff, and families. Her message centered on creating environments where every learner feels seen, valued, and supported. The conversation reinforced that when we lift others, we strengthen the entire organization.

Dr. Brian Bailey - Interim Superintendent, Hudson City School District delivered a moving ignite keynote titled How to Protect, Serve, and Care for Those Who Protect, Serve, and Care. Through powerful storytelling and practical strategies, he honored those who dedicate their lives to service in our schools and communities. His focus on uncommon appreciation, gratitude, and purpose reminded us that leadership is not just about direction and strategy. It is about recognizing the humanity of those who carry heavy responsibilities every day. When we intentionally care for the caregivers, we build resilient and inspired teams.

This episode captures three distinct but interconnected themes: authenticity, belonging, and appreciation. Together, they offer a blueprint for educational leadership that is both courageous and compassionate.

Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie

Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

Today on the podcast we have Dr. Kusum Sinha, Superintendent of Schools, with the Garden City Public Schools. Garden City is located in Long Island NY and has approximately 3,900 students served in 7 schools. Kusum was appointed to the superintendency in July of 2018 and she is in his 8th year.

Dr. Kusum Sinha brings over 25 years of experience in various leadership roles, including Director of PPS, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and Assistant Superintendent for HR and Leadership Development. These positions have honed her leadership skills. Dr. Sinha has presented to state and regional audiences on diverse topics such as special education, universal design, instructional technology, AI, curriculum alignment and accountability, ENL, and parent-school partnerships. Her systems-thinking approach has been pivotal in developing a vision, driving positive changes, and fostering innovation within the district. She has spearheaded the creation of innovative indoor and outdoor learning spaces, enhancing the learning environment and operational efficiency. Her commitment to integrating technology and innovative practices has transformed the educational landscape, providing students with access to cutting-edge resources and learning opportunities. Dr. Sinha also serves on the AASA governing board and participates in several local and national organizations.

Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie

Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

This episode of Achieving Joy & Mastery in Public Schools celebrates Lyndonville’s dynamic music program through the voices of educators, students, and community leaders. Featuring live performance clips, NYSSMA All-State achievements, community traditions, and a vibrant music booster organization, the episode showcases how a rural district uses the arts to build belonging, pride, and opportunity.

A big thank you to superintendent, Dr. Heather Lyon and the following guests:

• Amy Kroll – Music Booster President
• Becky Botsford – Elementary Instrumental Music
• Kelly Follman – Secondary Instrumental Music
• Jennifer Trupo – Vocal Music
• Emily Kroll – Student Musician
• Gavin Draper – Student Musician

Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie

Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

In this episode, we explore the structure, mission, and future direction of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). We talked about how statewide athletic decisions get made, how new sports are added, how rules are enforced, and how NYSPHSAA balances competitive excellence, safety, and student well-being across all member schools. Guests on this podcast were: Dr. Robert J. Zayas – Executive Director, New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and Adam Stoltman – Superintendent, Alden Central School District; and First Vice president of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA).

Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie

Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

Today we’re going to be discussing "The Power of Community Partnerships" specifically how Roy-Hart responded to the childcare crisis in your community. NYS refers to this part of the Niagara region as expereincing a child-care drought. However, in Roy-Hart, the school district has partnered with two unique entities to solve this particular crisis.

In this episoide we speak with:

Jill Heck - Superintendent of Roy-Hart

Dan Mault - Elementary School Principal

Jon Goodwin - Pastor at Hartland Bible Church

Kristen Totah - Director of at Little Critters Childcare

Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie

Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

Joining the podcast is Dr. Jared T. Bloom, superintendent of the Franklin Square UFSD. In this episode, Jared shares his professional journey as an early adopter of technology, and all of its benefits personnaly and professionally. Jared also shares how his district has been moving forward with specific AI tools for students, teachers, admi.nistrators and district leaders. Jared spent the early part of his career gaining technological expertise working in various expanding technology companies during the early dot-com era before deciding on a career change. He started his teaching journey as an English teacher at Franklin K. Lane High School in Brooklyn/Queens. He served in numerous public education roles, including teacher, department chair of English, director of technology and data, Title I coordinator, grant writer, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and superintendent of schools. He was named the 2017 Administrator of the Year for Western Suffolk BOCES Model Schools and received the 2018 Long Island University Chapter Phi Delta Kappa Distinguished Leadership Award and the 2018 Public Service Award from the Suffolk County Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. Dr. Bloom currently serves as superintendent in the Franklin Square Union Free School District. He has also been an adjunct instructor at Hofstra University, an instructor at Long Island University and Stony Brook University, and has served in leadership roles for numerous national and state organizations.

Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie

Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

Today on the podcast we have Christopher Swiatek, the superintendent of the Frontier Central School District. Chris has been the superintendent here since 2021, and previously served as the superintendent of Franklinville Central Schools in Cattaraugus County. Prior to pursuing a career as a professional educator, Chris served in the U.S. Air Force. In this episode, Chris discusses their comprehensive school safety system known as SHEILD.

Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie

Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

Today on our podcast we have Dr. Matt Gaven a dedicated educational leader currently serving as the Superintendent of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District in New York.

With an extensive background in educational administration, Matt has been a pioneer in integrating technology into instructional practices. His visionary approach has spearheaded the implementation of numerous district-wide initiatives, including leading one of the first 1:1 iPad initiatives in the nation to the development of secondary courses focused on the use of AI in research. His work has been recognized by Apple’s Distinguished School program, Linux Magazine, and The League of Innovative Schools. Matt’s commitment to enhancing student learning through innovative strategies is evident in his work, from authoring a comprehensive K-12 Computer Science Curriculum, to hosting LI’s first Hackathons, to creating engaging educational videos on a range of topics from Growth Mindset to the Revolutionary War. His leadership in technology and curriculum development continues to inspire transformative changes in educational practices, preparing students for the challenges of the future.

Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie

Or visit our website E-NSSA.org