NEW LONDON — Superintendent Winfried Feneberg proudly announces that Kearsarge Regional School District Assistant Superintendent Michael Bessette has been selected for the 2023 Outstanding Service Award by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association.
Bessette has served as Assistant Superintendent for seven years. He had a distinguished career as a school administrator and principal in the Hopkinton, Timberlane, and Derry School Districts, before coming to Kearsarge.
The award is given to an outstanding New Hampshire school system leader who is not a Superintendent of Schools. The recognized individual is someone who works to improve district educational programs and/or services, contributes to workplace climate and high morale, anticipates emerging problems and acts to resolve them, and demonstrates professional growth and involvement.
“I am honored to have served the students of New Hampshire’s public schools. New Hampshire’s public schools offer students the critical skills, content, and competencies necessary to prepare them for college and career readiness. There is nothing more professionally rewarding for me personally than to assist students seeking to achieve their educational goals,” said Bessette. “In doing so, I have been truly honored to work in support of so many exceptional teachers, administrators, support staff, and communities who share that same belief.”
Bessette was nominated by a panel of Kearsarge peers. They cited Bessette’s expertise in teaching curriculum, and child advocacy; his significant contributions to full implementation of competency-based education from PreK to Grade 12; his masterful leadership in developing and implementing the District’s COVID-19 re-entry plan; and his consistent focus on best educational practices within the District.
“This nomination truly is about Michael’s dedication to student welfare and learning, educational quality in the district and the state at large, commitment to public service, and the deep joy and satisfaction he experiences when his contributions support the common good,” said Superintendent Feneberg. “Michael is an outstanding public educator.”
School Board Chair Ken Bartholomew and Simonds School Principal Tim Stokes also recommended Bessette, noting his deep commitment to and passion for public education, his unparalleled leadership abilities, and his supportive nature toward both students and staff.
“Michael has demonstrated true leadership, grounded in evidence-based research, that has allowed him to gain the trust and respect of the Superintendent, Winfried Feneberg, and the entire school board and district leadership team,” said Bartholomew. “Michael’s professionalism and level of dedication to our students’ educational, social, and emotional experiences stand out. I believe Michael’s work has been exemplary.”
“I have known Michael for the past 20 years in multiple roles, including my building principal, assistant superintendent, and above all, colleague and friend. During that time, Michael has proven himself time and again as a champion of public education and a leader focused on student learning and achievement,” Stokes said. “As a building leader, I strive to live up to the example that he has created these past 20 years.”
Jerry Frew, Associate Executive Director of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association, stated, “Michael is an outstanding example of the dedicated and hard-working system leaders throughout New Hampshire who work tirelessly on behalf of students, families, and staff. The communities of SAU65, and our profession, are both fortunate to be the beneficiaries of Michael’s talents and commitment to public education.”
For more information on NHSAA click here.
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.