Council Conducts Annual Dinner Meeting
On April 25, the Council hosted the Annual School Board Institute Dinner Meeting in Hudson Hall on the campus of Mount St. Mary College. The event was attended by more than 100 superintendents, board members and guests.
The audience was addressed by Mr. Henry Grishman, the New York State Superintendent of the Year. Mr. Grishman is the superintendent of schools in Jericho, Long Island. The agenda for the evening included the election of officers and executive committee members, the adoption of the budget for 2012-13, and the awards for Educational Leadership.
The recipients of the Educational Leadership Award were Dr. Dee Berlinghoff, Mount St. Mary College, Dr. Richard M. Hooley, Valley Central School District and Dr. Thomas Meyer, State University of New York at New Paltz. The Friend of the Council Award was presented to former school attorney, Mr. John Donoghue.
The social hour was sponsored by ECG Engineering, J.J. Stanis Company, Inc, Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc and School Aid Specialists. The after dinner coffee bar was sponsored by Hawkins, Delafield and Wood, LLP.
Dr. Dee Berlinghoff
Mount St. Mary College
Dee Berlinghoff currently holds the rank of full professor. Her area of expertise is special education. She is highly regarded in her field and is often called upon to speak at local, state and national conferences.
She is the incoming president of the New York State Council for Exceptional Children.
She received her undergraduate degree from Penn State and her graduate degrees from Lehigh and Penn State.
Her colleagues describe Dee as the consummate professional, dedicated to the success of her students. In addition to her work with students she can often be found working with local districts providing them with methods and strategies in addressing the instruction of high needs students. Her commitment to mentoring has served both her students and the mid-Hudson region.
Dr. Berlinghoff has manifested leadership and scholarship in all areas of our work.
The Council is proud to recognize Dr. Berlinghoff, for her contributions and achievements in the mid-Hudson region.
Dr. Richard M. Hooley
Valley Central School District
Dr. Hooley is currently the superintendent of schools in the Valley Central School District. He has been the superintendent for the past nine years.
Dr. Hooley obtained his bachelor of arts and masters degree from Wake Forest University. His administrative training was obtained from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He completed his graduate work at Teachers College, Columbia University.
It is probably fair to say that no one works for Dr. Hooley, but Dr. Hooley works with everyone. His success at Valley Central can be found in his leadership style. He demonstrates consideration for everyone in the Valley central community. His vision for the district is driven by data and the passion to develop lifelong learners. He is a doer.
Dr. Hooley, in addressing the challenges of leading the school district has chosen to build bridges by being collaborative and collegial. His constituents find him to be fair and most approachable. He maintains an open door policy.
In these difficult times, Richard Hooley is a problem solver who encourages individuals to have the courage to think outside the box when searching for the answers.
The Council is proud to recognize Dr. Richard Hooley for his accomplishments and achievements in the mid-Hudson region.
Dr. Thomas Meyer
State University of New York at New Paltz.
Dr. Meyer is an associate professor and currently the director of the Hudson Valley Writing Project. He has been at the college for the past 13 years.
Tom received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. He completed his graduate work at Stanford University. He is a frequent speaker at the local, state and national level.
Dr. Myers colleagues repeatedly mention his dedication, enthusiasm and commitment in advancing the improvement of writing instruction throughout the region. His programs are valued for both their rigor and engagement.
Under his leadership the Hudson Valley Writing Project offers a summer institute that provides teachers an opportunity to learn and understand the skills necessary to improve student writing at all grade levels and in all content areas. In addition, he oversees the Saturday seminars that are held throughout the year on a variety of topics.
Tom has been described as transformational leader. One who listens, empowers and encourages individuals to achieve at the highest level.
The Council is proud to recognize Dr. Thomas Meyer for his contributions and achievements in the mid-Hudson region.
Friend of the Council recipient Mr. John Donoghue. Mr. Donoghue has provided legal service to the school districts in our region for the past several decades. In addition to serving the school districts, he has provided legal opinions and guidance to the executive directors of the Mid-Hudson School Study Council for the past 40 years.
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