How NYSCOSS Went From Hesitant to All In on the Nationwide Research Initiative
Dr. Chuck Dedrick wasn't sure at first. Then he looked at who else was taking part.
At first, Dr. Chuck Dedrick was hesitant.
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.
In this Article
- Why New York changed its mind (video 1:01)
- Pilot tested in two very different New York districts (video 2:24)
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.”
For Dr. Dedrick, the decision came down to making sure New York superintendents, schools, and communities are part of a nationwide conversation about public education.
New York brings a lot to that conversation. 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.
It’s a goal many superintendents share. When a community is part of the conversation from the start, the findings are far more likely to reflect the people its schools 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.”
Seeing the approach work well in two such different settings is an encouraging sign for districts across the state.
Watch Dr. Chuck Dedrick’s full remarks above to hear more.
