While it was raining outside the Sycamore Golf Club in Macedon May 14th at 4:30 p.m. the afternoon shower did not dampen the enthusiasm inside the lovely reception room where the Genesee Valley Chapter of the New York State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development was holding its annual awards reception.
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The GVASCD, in an ongoing search for what works in schools across the region, seeks out, highlights and celebrates the accomplishments of three educational leaders each year who achieve excellence in the areas of Supervision, Curriculum and Service. It selects winners from an annual nominations’ process. In May, the winners received their awards and are celebrated at an Awards Reception that recipients attend with colleagues and families to share their accomplishments.
Newark Central School District Superintendent Susan Hasenauer, a member of the GVASCD Board, was both surprised and honored last month to learn she was this year’s recipient of the Supervision Award.
More than 30 of Hasenauer’s Newark Central School District colleagues, as well as her mother, Jan, and daughter, Mia, a senior at Penfield High School were among those celebrating with her at the two-hour award’s reception. Daughter Gabriella, an education major at SUNY Oswego, was unable to attend because she was taking a final exam at the same time.
Donna Rizzo, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Curriculum for the Newark Central School District and Russ Harris, President of the NCSD Board of Education both nominated Hasenauer for the GVASCD Supervision Award and both spoke glowingly about her at the event.
Rizzo spoke first.
“I first met Sue about 30 years ago, which is strange to say out loud because we are both only 29 years old. We were both teaching 6th grade at Madison Middle School. Sue was teaching students in the Major Achievement Program. I was very inspired by Sue . . . her positive energy, her presence with kids, and her knowledge about instruction. She had a positive impact on her colleagues and her students back in the day at Madison. I knew then that Sue would continue to have a significant impact on kids! Fast forward to this past year that I have had the privilege of working side by side with this amazing leader... watching her process, plan, and lead.
“She has consistently modeled exceptional leadership in supervision for staff, students, and families. She has demonstrated commitment to instructional excellence, professional growth, and equitable educational practices across our district. An example of this commitment is the implementation of our district’s Strategic Plan. Sue has ensured that our Strategic Plan has resulted in improved instructional coherence, increased accountability, and a culture focused on continuous improvement.
“Next year we will be in the 5th year of our 5-year plan. Sue keeps us focused on our 3 Big Rocks- Academic Programs, Culture and Climate, and School/Community/Family Partnerships. Her comprehensive approach to implementing the systems and structures has ensured significant progress across the district in the designated areas. Students and staff grow because of Sue Hasenauer!
“Under Sue’s leadership, structured opportunities for professional development have been established to include PLCs, Instructional Council for administrators, and Curriculum
and Instructional Council for Department and Grade Level leaders. These structures have resulted in developing capacity in our instructional leaders across the district.
“She has established community partnerships with the county, village, and our BOCES in multiple areas of need for our school community. She is a strong advocate and supporter of our Newark families. One specific area of focus has been safety and security. The established partnerships have contributed to improved school security and ultimately have created safer learning spaces for all.
“Sue is a forward-thinking leader whose supervisory practices have made a lasting positive impact on educators and students alike. She models her expectations for her team. She consistently expects excellence. Her passion for learning is contagious! We are all better for knowing her!”
Harris followed Rizzo.
“I still remember the cold, snowy Saturday five years ago when the Board of Education interviewed seven candidates for the position of Superintendent of the Newark Central School District.
“The very first candidate who walked into that room was Susan Hasenauer. She arrived with a detailed entry plan, a clear vision for the future of the district, and a calm confidence that immediately stood out. Throughout the interview process, she answered every question with professionalism, authenticity, and a depth of expertise that demonstrated not only her knowledge of school administration, but also her understanding of people, culture, and student needs.
“As the long day ended, the board was asked to rank the candidates. What stood out most was not the discussion around second or third place — because there really was no consensus there. What was absolutely clear was that every board member agreed on the number one candidate. Susan separated herself from the field that day because of her vision, leadership, and unwavering focus on students.
“Since that time, she has more than validated the confidence that board placed in her.
“Through her leadership, Newark has strengthened instructional practices,
improved organizational systems, and created a culture centered on collaboration,
belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement.
“One of Susan’s most significant accomplishments has been her leadership in student safety and school security. She recognized early on that students cannot truly learn unless they feel safe, supported, and connected in their schools. Under her leadership, the district developed and implemented a comprehensive districtwide safety framework. This work included upgraded security systems and cameras, strengthened building access procedures, expanded safety personnel, enhanced threat assessment practices, improved coordination with law enforcement, and proactive planning designed specifically around the needs of Newark students and staff.
“What makes this work especially important is that it was never reactionary — it was thoughtful, strategic, and preventative. Susan and her teams created systems focused not only on security, but also on relationships, climate, mental health supports, and creating schools where students feel a true sense of belonging.
“She also demonstrated courageous leadership in other important areas. She commissioned comprehensive reviews of Human Resources practices and district athletics programs, leading to stronger hiring procedures, improved accountability systems,
more consistent investigations and progressive discipline practices, and improvements in coaching oversight and student experiences.
“What I appreciate most about Susan’s leadership is that in almost every conversation she and I have, she gives credit to her team and the teams throughout the district. She understands that meaningful success only happens when everyone works together on behalf of students.
“Susan leads with integrity, professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to students and staff. It has been a privilege to work alongside her, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the 2026 Supervision Award.”
Hasenauer, who then received her award, spoke in a grateful, but emotional tone.
“Thank you . . . Wow, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge I’m a bit overwhelmed with both emotion and genuine gratitude,’ she said tearfully.
She first expressed her gratitude for having been selected for the Supervision Award by the GVASCD Nominating Committee. A member of that committee, Hasenauer said other members kept her nomination a secret.
“And thank you, Donna and Russ, for your unbelievably kind words, and for nominating me for this evening’s Supervision Award.
“Donna, we built a friendship as teammates over 25 years ago down on Genesee St. when we were finding our way…if we only had a crystal ball. It’s not only surreal to be up here with you tonight, but also a privilege and a full circle moment in leadership and legacy. A true testament to transforming past personal experiences into lasting impact.
“Russ, 5 years ago, as the BOE President, you and 6 other members of the community took a chance on me to be the next Superintendent of Newark. I will be forever grateful for that opportunity and your belief in me since day 1, and the board’s continuing trust and belief in me in me to lead the NCSD.
“Thank you also to the members of the GVASCD Board for all that you do for educators in our region and selecting me for this evening’s Supervision Award – even though you were all a bit sneaky. It has been a true honor to be part of this organization, and I am extremely humbled for this recognition.
“As a board member, I’ve been to this award ceremony for about 10 years now, and each year as Edward and I take tickets at the door and sip our wine, but what I look forward to the most is listening to the accomplishments/contributions of the award recipients and being able to celebrate in their success. But as a recipient tonight, this is quite a bit different, as I’m not listening to someone else’s story, but mine.
“And as I reflect on my journey in education, it’s hard to believe 32 years have passed. I can still see myself as the 21-year-old girl who wanted to be the best teacher ever as she stepped into her “newly created 1st grade class” in the Rochester City School District wearing a freshly purchased Christoper Banks denim jumpsuit, carrying a leather briefcase, from Scranton’s with a padfolio and engraved pen set inside that I received as a graduation gift. I felt invincible.
“It was at that time, soon after beginning, I learned my first greatest lesson – the value being part of a team delivers to others.
“You see, that newly created classroom I referred to was opened in October due to high numbers in the first grade and each teacher got to give away five kids in their classroom to make a new classroom, mine. It was supposed to be one high student, one low student, one average student, one behavior problem. I think all could imagine what transpired.
“That feeling of invincibility soon moved to survival mode. But it didn’t last long. Ginny Payne, Deanna Hess, Coleen Scarborough, Sue Kaufmann, Tim Wagner . . . these people stepped in to help, heroes without a cape. If they heard their names mentioned today, they would never know the impact they had _ but it was significant.
“Each contributed something different to make me grow both instructionally and in management. They challenged me when I was unsure . . . and celebrated me after my first observation when I received an “above average” for a rating. They not only built my confidence. they built a foundation and showed me a distinct understanding about what it meant to be part of a team at work.
“Which brings me to the people who are sitting in front of me “our team” – our Newark Family, the best team I have ever worked with. God saved the best for last.
Because the accomplishments that Russ and Donna shared aren’t mine, they are ours.
“By definition: Being on a team at work means collaborating with colleagues toward a shared, measurable purpose that an individual cannot achieve alone. It involves blending individual skills, fostering trust, and sharing accountability for results _ for us, it also means following our strategic plan, our compass.
“You do this with ease. But it’s not just your skill set you possess; it’s the heart you show up with every day. It’s the laughter you bring, the extra time you take when someone on our team is struggling, it’s the honesty you provide and critical feedback you both give and accept that makes us better. It’s the pants you sewed, Sara, when I popped a button and waited underneath a blanket until you were done and Jack it’s the rowing you did, when our theme of rowing together turned into rowing for one so I can ensure I get ample sun while seeing the sights on the Erie Canal.
“Together, with support staff, teachers and students, you are the boots on the ground each day. You implement what we have created. “Thank you!”
“Decreasing from 19 to 5 indicators in student achievement levels didn’t happen by chance, leading the region in safety and security measures didn’t happen by chance, and rebuilding trust in the community didn’t happen by chance. They happened with purpose.
Thank you – for showing up as your best selves each and every day.
“Lastly, I have come to realize legacy and leadership go hand in hand. While I’ve reached many milestones in my career, and have the title of Superintendent, that title doesn’t hold a candle to the title of mom. To my wonderful daughters, Mia and Gabby, I want to thank you for your patience when I was working late, for your encouragement when I was discouraged, and for being my inspiration. You have always been my why. I hope I have made you proud.
“Congratulations to the winners who I share this stage with tonight and again thank you GVASCD for this recognition.”