Christine Downing Named as Recipient of NHSAA 2024 Outstanding Service Award

The New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA) is pleased to announce that Christine Downing, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for SAU 32, SAU 75, and SAU 100, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Service Award (OSA).

Since 1994, the OSA has been presented to a system leader who is not a Superintendent of Schools, but who demonstrates professional growth and improves district workplace morale and educational programs and/or services.

“Congratulations to Christine on being recognized with the 2024 NHSAA Outstanding Service Award. Her tireless, expert, and selfless commitment to public education is always on display,” NHSAA Executive Director Mark MacLean said. “Christine has been, and continues to be, a beacon for educators, administrators, system leaders, and (most importantly) students through her work on the Ed 306 Minimum Standards for Public School Approval.”

Also known as Minimum Standards for Education, the Ed 306 rules regulate every aspect of taxpayer-funded public education in New Hampshire, from curriculum to cafeteria offerings.

“It is an incredible honor to receive this award. I am dedicating it to all public school educators throughout our great state: they are the backbone of the high quality educational system New Hampshire has been known for throughout the country,” 2024 NHSAA OSA Recipient Christine Downing said. “Thank you to my past and present colleagues for supporting me throughout my three decades in education. I have been fortunate to learn from some of the best and will continue to advocate for the importance of our public school system as a vital component of our democratic society.”

Downing’s expertise is shared among three districts, SAU 32 in Plainfield, SAU 75 in Grantham, and SAU 100 in Cornish. She was nominated by current and former supervisors and peers who cited her dedication to educational excellence and leadership in facilitating collaboration during the 306 revision process.

“Christine’s dedication to learning is unparalleled. Her commitment to educational excellence is evident through her unwavering efforts to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education,” wrote Sydney Leggett, Superintendent of SAU 32 and SAU 100.

“In my long career, I have met very few educators who would outwork her, and she is totally dedicated to servicing our profession and especially our teachers. NHSAA’s two prime missions are professional development and legislative advocacy. Christine is a stellar administrator for both of these areas,” wrote Dean Cascadden, Interim Superintendent of SAU 75.

Three administrators — Karin Denholm, Principal of Cornish Elementary School,
Audra Bucklin, Principal of Plainfield Elementary School, and Beth Bierwirth, Business Administrator, SAU 32 and 100 — wrote that Downing is “a warrior” for education, an invaluable mentor and coach, and “the epitome of professionalism.”

Downing was selected as the 2024 recipient of the award by a committee chaired by Concord Superintendent Kathy Murphy.

“New Hampshire is fortunate to have outstanding leaders like Christine Downing, who are paving the way to ensure our children have exceptional experiences in our public schools,” Superintendent Murphy said. “Christine Downing represents the new and upcoming leaders addressing the issues across the state and collaborating with stakeholders. Christine was the unanimous choice of the NHSAA Recognition Committee and pleased that she will be honored as the 2024 recipient for Outstanding Services.”

Downing will be honored for her award at the NHSAA 2024 Annual Meeting on June 24-26 in Whitefield.

About the NHSAA

NHSAA serves public school leaders in roughly 288 public school districts throughout New Hampshire. The Executive Director, Executive Board, NHSAA staff, members, and volunteers collaborate to move the Association toward the organization’s vision, mission, and resolutions.