OCM BOCES District Superintendent accepts 2015 NYSAWA Giacobbe Award on behalf of 23 component districts

On Sunday, March 22, 2015, OCM BOCES District Superintendent J. Francis Manning was presented with the 2015 Maxine Giacobbe Award from the New York State Association for Women in Administration (NYSAWA) at its annual symposium in Albany, N.Y. NYSAWA Award Committee Chair Dr. Jennifer Schulman presented the award at an award reception and dinner held at Albany's Desmond Hotel.

Mr. Manning accepted the award on behalf of OCM BOCES 23 component school districts and the collective work for all students in Central New York. 

The award, named for NYSAWA’s first executive director, is presented annually to a person who demonstrates exceptional work with children from diverse populations, including children of color, to reduce gender inequalities and promote outstanding achievement for children of color.

Manning, nominated for the award by Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District Superintendent Dr. Corliss C. Kaiser, has a career in educational administration spanning more than 25 years. Prior to taking on the highest leadership role at OCM BOCES in August 2012, he had served as a school superintendent, business administrator, building administrator and teacher in various districts.

Manning’s ability to work collectively and collaboratively with students and staff in one of the big five school districts in New York state as well as with OCM BOCES’ 23 component districts, has been exemplified through the leadership initiatives he has implemented to improve the success of diverse populations. Most recently, Manning led OCM BOCES in the establishment of Innovation Tech High School, a non-traditional high school designed to provide authentic experiences for students through collaborative and hands-on learning. He has been instrumental in assisting his constituent superintendents with responsive activities to help them carry out their duties.

Manning created partnerships with several colleges in the area and has been involved with several community-based organizations, such as the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), the School Alliance for Continuous Improvement (SACI), and the Career and Technical Education External Review Committee.

A passionate leader and a risk-taker, Manning who puts the needs of students, and most especially, children from diverse populations, at the forefront of his actions.

Additional details are available on the NYSAWA event website for anyone who would like additional information about the Symposium.

The New York State Association for Women in Administration was established in 1990 to address the lack of women in educational leadership positions. It was the genesis of a group of individuals who met to develop at statewide network, now known as NYSAWA. This group determined to create programs to identify and promote women in leadership.