Congratulations to Greater Amsterdam Principal Bryan Wood who will be honored with a state achievement award this summer for his years of serving youth as both a teacher and a school administrator. Wood will be recognized in August with an Excelsior Award from the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) Region 6.

The Excelsior Award is presented to individuals whose dedication and exceptional contributions throughout their career have made a difference for children and their school community. This recognition is a result of his years of outstanding work as an educator and valuable member of the SAANYS Region 6 Executive Committee.

Wood joined GASD as Amsterdam High School Interim Principal in January. He will continue as a GASD administrator during the 2022-23 school year, shifting to Interim Principal at Lynch Literacy Academy in August.

His educational career spans more than 35 years and includes experiences in both urban and rural communities. He has worked to support at-risk students and create several alternative learning programs including alternatives to student suspensions and create restorative justice opportunities.

Before joining the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA) in 2020, he served as a middle and high school science teacher (25 years at RCS), high school dean of students (5 years at RCS) and high school assistant principal and principal (10 years at Cohoes). During his career he also coached student athletes in football, basketball, baseball, cross-country, tennis and golf. He also served as NYSPHSAA Section 2 Golf Coordinator for 5 years.