Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of Ulster BOCES, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 National School Development Council (NSDC) Cooperative Leadership Award, a national honor recognizing outstanding leadership and collaboration in education. His recognition is a reflection of his extensive efforts for advancing educational innovation and statewide transformation through his work building capacity and understanding for the new NY Inspires framework.

Presented by the National School Development Council, the award celebrates exemplary leaders who build meaningful partnerships and advance innovative educational programs. Dr. Schenker was nominated by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC) and selected from among candidates nationwide for his impactful leadership and commitment to transforming education.

According to the MHSSC announcement, Dr. Schenker was recognized for his “outstanding leadership… including exemplary efforts to establish cooperative relationships with other educational agencies” and for his work advancing initiatives aligned to the New York State Portrait of a Graduate and NY Inspires Framework.

Dr. Schenker’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning not only Ulster BOCES, but areas around New York State, as partners in reimagining education through the NY Inspires initiative. Under his leadership, Ulster BOCES developed the NY Inspires Transformation Design Cycles Playbook, a human-centered framework now being used to support districts across the state in redesigning learning experiences, graduation pathways, and student outcomes.

“Because of Dr. Schenker’s extensive work and dedication assisting the education community to re-examine traditional settings and prepare students for the challenges of today’s world, we were proud to nominate him for this national recognition,” said Roberta Greene, Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson School Study Council.

Dr. Schenker’s career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, equity, and student-centered learning. From his early work as a classroom teacher to his current role as District Superintendent, he has consistently championed systems that prepare students not just for graduation, but for meaningful participation in college, careers, and community life.

“Dr. Schenker’s leadership is both visionary and deeply grounded in purpose,” said Krista Barringer, President of the Ulster BOCES Board of Education. “He brings people together around a shared commitment to students and has positioned Ulster BOCES as a driving force in shaping the future of education, not only in our region, but across New York State and beyond.”

The Cooperative Leadership Award will be formally presented at the MHSSC Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on May 6, 2026, in Thiells, New York.

This national recognition reflects both Dr. Schenker’s leadership and the collective efforts of the Ulster BOCES community and its partners, who continue to work together to design more equitable, engaging, and future-ready learning systems.

“Thank you to the Mid-Hudson School Study Council for this honor,” said Schenker upon learning of the distinctive recognition. “This recognition is a reflection of the collective effort to build systems that truly support every learner. We have incredible schools doing powerful work. Our challenge now is to amplify those bright spots while reimagining the outdated structures that limit what’s possible for students. The future of education depends on our willingness to both celebrate excellence and redesign for equity and opportunity.”