Senator Flanagan Named State Leader Of The Year By NYSSBA

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) has been named the 2011-2012 State Leader of the Year by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).  The award was presented to Senator Flanagan, who serves as the Chairman of the New York State Senate Education Committee, at the Association’s annual State Issues Conference in Albany.

NYSSBA Executive Director Timothy G. Kremer said Senator Flanagan has continued to distinguish himself above all state leaders in responding to and promoting the Association’s legislative agenda.  Kremer also credited Senator Flanagan for traveling throughout New York to meet with school board members and local legislators to get a clear sense of the needs of the entire state.

“While he is firmly grounded in the political realities of the legislative process, he has gone to great lengths to approach public educational reform on a statewide basis,” said Mr. Kremer.

David Little, NYSSBA’s director of governmental relations, noted that in a year when the tax cap and state aid cuts took the headlines, Senator Flanagan managed to draw attention to other school board priorities.  

“He is insightful and articulate in his understanding of public education’s objectives and challenges, and he has worked tirelessly to educate himself on all aspects of the enterprise,” said Mr. Little.  “Senator Flanagan has been accessible and responsive to the issues and concerns of boards of education.  And in a year of loose rhetoric, he brought a truthful and collaborative approach to his efforts to address the challenges facing public education.”

“This is truly a great honor and I appreciate the NYSSBA for selecting me as this year’s recipient.  The simple truth is that this award represents the collaborative efforts of everyone who plays a role in our educational system in New York State and who I am privileged to work with on a daily basis.  That includes those I work with in the Senate, the teachers who work hard every day in classrooms across our state and the administrators throughout New York who put the success of our students above all else.  I share this honor with them,” stated Senator Flanagan.