Nassau BOCES Board Member Susan Bergtraum was honored with the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) President’s Award at the Association’s Annual Convention and Education Expo in New York City on October 24. The award was presented by NYSSBA President Sandra Ruffo, who also serves on the Broome-Tioga BOCES Board.

The NYSSBA President’s Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to public education across New York State. Ruffo praised Bergtraum for her dedication and impact.

“Throughout Susan’s 35 years as a board of education member, she has advocated tirelessly for students on the local, state, and national levels, making ongoing board development a priority and providing exemplary leadership. She is the epitome of an exceptional board member and most deserving of this honor,” said NYSSBA President Sandra Ruffo.

Bergtraum has served on the Nassau BOCES Board of Trustees since 2006, holding the positions of president (2019–2024), vice president, and district clerk. Her long record of service includes membership on the East Williston School Board from 1991 to 2006, where she served five years as president. She is also a past president and vice president of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association (N-SSBA) and continues to serve on its Executive and Legislation Committees.

At the state level, Bergtraum served as NYSSBA president in 2016 and 2017, following terms as vice president and Area 11 director representing Nassau County. She chaired several NYSSBA committees, including Policy and Bylaws, Operations, and Awards, as well as a Task Force on Student Health and Safety.

A lifelong advocate for education, Bergtraum co-founded and currently serves as a trustee of the East Williston Education Foundation. She has received numerous honors for her commitment to students, including the Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award (2011), the Friends of Education Award, the Council of Administrators and Supervisors Award, the N-SSBA Presidential Award, and the Long Island Crisis Center’s Person of the Year (2015).

Bergtraum holds both her bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in school psychology from Queens College. She began her career as a teacher in New York City and Washington, D.C., before dedicating herself to public service through educational leadership.