Professor’s leadership earns stipend for SUNY New Paltz

NEW PALTZ — The State University of New York at New Paltz recently received a portion of a $25,000 stipend in compensation for the time David Gee, assistant professor of educational administration, has spent away from the college to fulfill his role as president of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

A check for $10,000 was presented to Robert Michael, dean of the School of Education, and David Lavalle, vice president and provost of academic affairs. The second installment will be awarded in June 2006. A portion of the money will be used to establish an annual scholarship to be awarded to aspiring school administrators registered in the SUNY New Paltz School of Education program.

Gee, a public school superintendent and educator for more than 25 years, began his term as president in July 2005. His responsibilities for the 2005-2006 school year have included presiding over governance meetings, testifying on the effects of state and national education policies on public schools, writing articles for a school administrators’ magazine, and attending and speaking at conferences. Prior to his tenure as president, Gee served as a member of the AASA executive committee for four years.

Gee said that his time at the AASA has enriched his teaching. “It has not only given me a global educational experience, but also has allowed me to see firsthand other states’ educational systems and the resulting challenges,” he said.

The Department of Educational Administration at SUNY New Paltz offers two programs that enable prospective administrators to be granted the School Administrator and Supervisor (SAS), School District Administrator (SDA) and School Business Administrator (SBA) New York State certifications.

AASA, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for over 13,000 educational leaders across America and in many other countries. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children. AASA’s major focus is standing up for public education.