Amsterdam, NY — The Greater Amsterdam School District (GASD) is proud to announce that Dr. Nellie A. Bush, a distinguished member of the district’s Board of Education and Greater Amsterdam School District of 43 years, will be honored with the New York State School Boards Association’s (NYSSBA) most prestigious award this month. Dr. Bush will receive the Everett R. Dyer Award for Distinguished School Board Service at NYSSBA’s 2024 Annual Convention & Education Expo in New York City during the opening session on October 20.
This esteemed recognition is presented annually to a current or former school board member who has made an exceptional impact on K-12 education and positively influenced the students of their district.
A recent inductee into GASD’s Hall of Fame, Dr. Bush has contributed greatly to the district through her participation on various board committees, including her role as chair of the Board Policy Committee. Known for her deep insight into curriculum and instructional practices, she continually brings valuable perspectives to board discussions, helping guide key decisions. In his nomination letter, Superintendent Richard J. Ruberti, Jr. praised Dr. Bush for her contributions, stating that her leadership and dedication are evident in every aspect of her service.
Dr. Bush has also been instrumental in advancing professional development for the GASD Board of Education. She actively promotes engagement in NYSSBA trainings and has led initiatives to train board members on confidentiality and other critical governance topics.
In addition to her work on the board, Dr. Bush is a passionate advocate for the district’s successes. She frequently engages the community through letters to the editor celebrating student achievements and participates in monthly interviews on local radio stations to discuss the work of the school board.
“Dr. Bush has been a mentor and role model to many in our district, including students, educators, and her fellow board members,” said Superintendent Ruberti. “Her influence is both far-reaching and deeply personal, and we are incredibly proud of this recognition of her exemplary service.”
