Dr. Jean Regan recognized for support of district library programs
Cazenovia Middle School Principal Dr. Jean Regan has been named Administrator of the Year by the OCM BOCES School Library System. The award, to be handed out in a May 10 ceremony, is given to an administrator within the OCM BOCES system who advocates for and understands the importance of library programs.
“Dr. Regan was really instrumental in adding extra position in middle school librarian at Cazenovia; she recognized the importance of having a librarian at every school, at every level,” said Doreen Bergman, coordinator for the OCM BOCES School Library System. “Dr. Regan recognized that a school library program can make an incredible impact in student learning.”
The administrator of the year award is one of three to be given for the 2017 recipients of the OCM BOCES School Library System Administrator/Advocate of the Year Award celebration. In addition to Regan, New York State Assemblyman Albert A. Stirpe, Jr., District 127, and Marcia Gere, library support staff at Marcellus High School, will receive the Advocate of the Year Award.
“I was very surprised and of course very flattered,” Regan said.
Regan was recognized and nominated for the award by the entire Cazenovia school district library department for her overall support of the school’s library program, but especially for her advocacy of reinstating the middle school librarian position in this year’s district budget — a position that had been left unfilled for more than five years after it was vacated due to retirement.
“Dr. Regan’s passionate advocacy for reinstating the middle school library position after a five-plus year hiatus was a demonstration of her commitment to student learning,” said Superintendent Matt Reilly. “Dr. Regan is incredibly deserving of this accolade and the district congratulates her on this recognition.”
Regan was nominated for the award by middle school Librarian Deb McHugh, who will also be the person presenting Regan her award on May 10.
“Debbie McHugh is in her first year; we haven’t had a librarian for a number of years, so to have someone come in with the quality, expertise and professionalism that Debbie has brought in has made my job very easy,” Regan said. “I think it’s unusual for someone in their first year to have such a significant impact on so many people … She has created so many opportunities for kids to be in the library; it’s just really remarkable.”
OCM BOCES School Library System Administrator/Advocate of the Year Award celebration will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, at the OCM BOCES Main Campus.
