NORWICH – The Chenango County School Boards Association held its annual spring dinner and awards ceremony on Tuesday, highlighting the triumphs of local districts in the past year and heeding some of the challenges for the year to come.

According to district officials, each school has its own success stories. But unfortunately, those stories are overshadowed by disputes over issues like the newly implemented Common Core and the state mandated tax cap that restricts school spending.

“The reason we're here is to enjoy the company of fellow school board members and honor the members of our association who have given so freely of themselves to the education of our districts' children and communities that our schools serve,” said CCSBA President Kristen Rumovicz.

CCSBA serves as a source of professional development for sitting members of local school boards. Tuesday was a chance for members to mingle and learn ways in which they can improve their own schools.

Rumovicz lauded some of the major successes of the 10 public education institutions that make up the CCSBA, which includes the DCMO BOCES Norwich campus. Additionally, the association presented the School Board Member of the Year Award, which this year went to Norwich City School Board member Perry Owen. Every year, CCSBA solicits nominations for Board Member of the Year from each district. Nominees demonstrate a commitment and dedication to their respective schools and communities.

CCSBA members also presented a new award this year – the Marge Secrest Lifetime Achievement Award, which reflects a board members' longstanding commitment and service to their school and community. And who better to be the first recipient of the Marge Secrest Lifetime Achievement Award than Afton School Board President Marge Secrest?

“Mrs. Secrest has devoted over 55 years of service to her community and her school,” said BOCES Superintendent William Tammaro who presented the award on behalf of the School Board Association.

Secrest worked as an English teacher in the Afton Central School District from 1960-1983. During her tenure, she played a role in multiple school functions, including school plays, the PTA, and the Afton Teachers Association. Upon retirement, Secrest became involved in more community and state organizations, including her church, the grange, and the Chenango County Farm Bureau. She began serving on the Afton School Board in 1985 and continues that service today as board president.