The Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District proudly recognized three retiring members of its Board of Education whose combined service totals 45 years.

Susan Emerson Strasser, who joined the Board in 2014, has served for 12 years. Steven Philbrick, a member since 2011, has served for 15 years, including 10 years as Vice President. Board President Bruce Tryon, who joined in 2008, has served for 18 years, including 16 years as President.

The district was honored to welcome Barry Entwistle, Chief Member Relations and Business Development Officer for the New York State School Boards Association (NYSBA), who formally recognized each retiring member and presented them with plaques in appreciation of their service.

We also recognized our two student representatives, who will be graduating on June 26: Danielle Hughes and Patrick Maillard. Thank you for your service and for representing the students of C-RCS, volunteering your time, providing your insight, and being the voice of your classmates.

During the recognition, fellow Board of Education member Dominga Lent reflected on the impact each retiring Board member has had on the district.

“As President, Bruce has signed thousands of documents, countless diplomas, and represented this Board through two decades of change,” Lent said. “But anyone who has sat through a Board meeting knows he brought more than leadership. No matter how serious the topic, Bruce always found the right moment to add a little humor. He has led with grace and understanding, always a call away with a word of encouragement, often reaching out after difficult conversations to show appreciation.”

Lent also spoke about Steven Philbrick’s steady leadership. “Every Board needs someone who is calm when discussions get complicated and emotions run high. Steve was often the voice reminding us of what truly mattered. His thoughtful approach and quiet leadership guided many important decisions. I had the personal privilege of sitting first to his right for 6 years, and now to his left for two. His words of encouragement and moments of humor were priceless to me."

Reflecting on Susan Emerson Strasser, Lent noted her thoughtful contributions to Board discussions. “She has a gift of asking inquiring questions—the ones that ensure that every situation was fully understood before decisions were made. She helped make sure discussions were thorough and that decisions were grounded in a clear understanding of their impact. What I will remember the most of her is her ability to agree to disagree, yet remain united in the support of the Board's decision. That is the essence of true governance."

Superintendent Matt Sickles also expressed his appreciation. "I've only had the opportunity to experience only four of the many years of service of these board members, but words cannot express even in those four years what I have witnessed—the level of dedication of this board as a whole and these three specific board members have to the students of our district and the district itself... On behalf of the staff, the administration, the community, and certainly our students, I just want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your many years of service."

The Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District thanks Susan Emerson Strasser, Steven Philbrick, and Bruce Tryon for their years of commitment, leadership, and service to the school community.