Why NYSCOSS couldn't stay silent on the Nationwide Research Initiative

October 2, 2026 | Aaron Seminiano

At first, Dr. Chuck Dedrick said no.

When the AASA x ThoughtExchange Nationwide Research Initiative came to the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), its Executive Director didn’t originally plan for New York to take part.
But he changed his mind.

Speaking to superintendents at the NYSCOSS 2026 Fall Leadership Summit in Saratoga Springs, Dr. Dedrick explained why he changed course and what New York’s districts found.

Why Did New York Join the AASA x ThoughtExchange Nationwide Research Initiative?

“I want to make sure that the voices of New York superintendents, New York schools, and New York communities had a voice.”

— Dr. Chuck Dedrick, Executive Director, NYSCOSS

Dr. Chuck Dedrick’s reason for joining wasn’t about the research design or the technology. It was about what would be missing if New York stayed out.

New York is not a small voice to leave out. Dr. Dedrick noted that the state has more AASA members than any other, and NYSCOSS represents more than 800 members. His goal is for “as many voices as possible” to be heard.

A conversation about public education that doesn’t include your community will still produce conclusions. They just won’t reflect the people you serve.

Pilot tested in two very different New York districts

Before inviting districts statewide, the approach was pilot tested in two New York school districts: Windsor Central School District, led by Superintendent Jason Andrews, and Brighton Central School District, led by Superintendent Dr. Kevin McGowan.

“Two districts that could not be more different,” Dr. Dedrick said.

The communities are different. So are the superintendents. In both, he noted, the pilot was successful and gave each district “a lot of good information.”

An approach that works in one kind of district is useful. An approach that holds up in two very different ones is worth a closer look.

Watch Dr. Chuck Dedrick’s full remarks above to hear more.

Talk with a ThoughtExchange expert about your district's path forward.

Start Proof of Concept

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aaron Seminiano

Aaron is a brand and growth marketer who helps companies stand out and grow. For more than 15 years, he has built brands and led growth programs across B2B and technology, creating the content and campaigns that bring in new audiences. He enjoys building the systems behind marketing: the processes and tools that help teams create faster, learn what works, and scale what succeeds.