Ginger Lieberman

President
Plainview-Old Bethpage
Board of Education

In Ginger Lieberman's 30-year tenure in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District, she has helped the district to make tremendous strides, not only academically, but in social emotional education as well. Eighteen years of that time was spent in a leadership capacity on the board of education, having served 10 years as board president and eight years as vice president. One need look no further than the Women's Center, Holocaust Museum and Art Gallery at the high school for evidence of her influence, but there is much more.

Lieberman is a trailblazer in character education, having been a pioneer in bullying prevention. Recognized as a national expert on bullying and cyber bullying, Ginger is a certified DASA provider for New York State. She is the co-creator of the nationally renowned Bully Frog bullying prevention program, featuring the Bully Frog children's book series, winner of the National Legacy Book Award.

The board president has had a powerful impact on academics in her district as well. She helped to forge a partnership between Plainview-Old Bethpage Schools, North Shore LIJ and Hofstra University, which gave birth to the district's Medical Career Academy. The academy engages students in meaningful experiences in all aspects of the health field. She also forged a partnership between Plainview-Old Bethpage schools and the Kennedy Center For Performing Arts. Lieberman spearheaded the transformation of STEM education to STEAM, adding the arts to the popular science technology engineering and math initiative.

She has served as a positive force for community improvement both in and out of the schools. She moved Plainview-Old Bethpage residents into action to clean up a landfill.

"Ginger Lieberman has served Plainview-Old Bethpage with passion, commitment and purpose," wrote her award nominator. "There is no aspect of the district that has not been impacted by her care and diligence. She is a passionate advocate for the future of our community and an outstanding leader who truly cares about our children. Our community is a far better place due to the advocacy and unconditional commitment of Ginger Lieberman."