School Leaders Honored by New York State Council of School Superintendents and Discovery Education

Albany, NY and Charlotte, NC (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) — The New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) in partnership with Discovery Education, the creator of essential K-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world, have announced first ever NYSCOSS Excellence in Leadership Awards.  

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

Following a competitive nomination and application process, the following New York State Superintendents were named by the Selection Committee as the recipients of the 2025 NYSCOSS Excellence in Leadership Awards: 

• 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

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

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. 

“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, partners of NYSCOSS, is the creator of essential K-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world. Serving 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, Discovery Education helps educators inspire student curiosity through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships.  

“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.” 

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.    

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