The ConVal School District and School Board proudly announces that Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders has been named Superintendent of the Year by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association.
Dr. Rizzo Saunders was selected by her peers for her passion, knowledge and dedication to her role as superintendent and for her contagious enthusiasm for public education and children.
Dr. Rizzo Saunders was nominated by Board chair Richard Dunning as well as by 18 administrators from across the state; in their nomination letters they highlighted ongoing partnerships in the District’s nine communities. These collaborations ensure that children and families experiencing challenges involving mental health, well-being, housing and homelessness are connected with support and resources. Collaborations have led to summer programming and tutoring for students, staff development led by community groups, and public events.
Dr. Rizzo Saunders also supports efforts to increase the number of women in administrative positions in education, and recently led professional development on negotiating strategies specifically for women.
Through Dr. Rizzo Saunders’ leadership and in collaboration with the ConVal School Board, the District filed suit against the State of New Hampshire over the question of adequate funding for public education.
“Her actions have reignited the conversation about the basic rights of students and the essential role that public education plays in our society,” the nominators wrote in part. “She has invested countless hours, sacrificed personal time, and made difficult decisions, all with the sole purpose of advancing educational opportunities for the students of New Hampshire. Her selflessness and willingness to put the needs of others above her own make her a true servant leader.”
A Superior Court judge recently ruled in favor of the District and its co-plaintiffs, and ordered the state Legislature to increase per-pupil funding for all districts.
“Kimberly’s selection as Superintendent of the Year is so deserving,” School Board Chair Richard Dunning said. “Kimberly dealt with the COVID-19 challenge by supporting student education online to keep students involved in learning, and was able to get our students back into the classroom as quickly as possible. When confronting inadequate educational state funding, Kimberly’s leadership and testimony led to a positive outcome, for students and taxpayers alike.”
“This award is not truly individual, but recognizes the collective efforts of the ConVal staff and community and those who have supported me throughout my career,” Dr. Rizzo Saunders said. “Without them our District would not have made such a difference in the lives of our students and community.”
Dr. Rizzo Saunders will be recognized during the AASA national conference in San Diego in February. She also will serve as keynote speaker at the annual NHSAA conference in June 2024.
