School No. 12 assistant principal Margaret Crowley honored with 2026 SAANYS Region 11 leadership award

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District is celebrating one of its longtime educational leaders after Margaret Crowley, assistant principal at Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School No. 12, was named the 2026 SAANYS Region 11 Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year.

The recognition highlights decades of commitment to students, staff, and families across Rochester schools — a career that has stretched across four decades and touched nearly every level of education within the district.

Crowley was officially honored during the Region 11 Awards Ceremony held April 23 at the Webster Golf Club. The award, known as the George Vito Administrator of the Year Award, recognizes educational leaders who have provided extraordinary service and leadership in schools throughout the region.

For many who have worked alongside Crowley over the years, the recognition comes as no surprise.

She was nominated by Anthony Rodriguez, former principal of School No. 12 and current principal of Edison Career and Technology High School. Rodriguez described Crowley as a leader whose approach has always centered on supporting others and building strong relationships throughout the school community.

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“Ms. Crowley’s leadership is rooted in service,” said Principal Rodriguez. “Her hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example earned her deep respect from staff. Her connection with students and families is remarkable, and her presence is a source of stability and positivity throughout the school community. She embodies the qualities of a servant leader: dedicated, compassionate, and inspiring.”

That philosophy has shaped Crowley’s work throughout an educational career spanning 40 years — all of it spent serving students in the Rochester City School District.

Her journey in education began in the classroom as a math teacher at East High School, where she spent 15 years helping students build academic confidence in mathematics. During a period of district restructuring in the late 1980s, she also taught at Charlotte before eventually returning to East High School, where the next chapter of her career began.

Crowley later moved into administration, launching what would become a 26-year leadership career focused on academic improvement, instructional support, and student success.

As Coordinator of Instruction at East High School, she supervised several departments, including math, science, business, and school counseling. Colleagues say her ability to connect instructional goals with student needs helped strengthen programs across multiple subject areas.

Her leadership roles continued to expand throughout the district. Over the years, Crowley served as an administrator at Thomas Jefferson High School, worked as the district’s Director of Math, and also held the role of RCSD Data Administrator.

Beyond daily school operations, Crowley also played a major role in securing resources for educators and students. During her time in the district, she successfully obtained millions of dollars in funding dedicated to professional development opportunities and instructional technology improvements.

Those who know Crowley best say one thing has remained constant despite the changing positions and responsibilities — her unwavering focus on students.

“Margaret remains as passionate and creative as the day she started,” said Tim Cliby, former RCSD administrator and SAANYS regional representative. “She cultivates an environment of excellence where the needs of the child are the highest priority.”

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Inside School No. 12, staff members describe Crowley as a steady and encouraging presence who brings energy and compassion into the building each day. Her long experience in education, combined with her approachable leadership style, has helped create a supportive environment for both students and educators.

District leaders say the award also reflects the broader impact one educator can have over decades of service. From the classroom to district leadership positions, Crowley’s career has mirrored the evolving needs of public education while remaining grounded in student-centered values.

As the Rochester City School District celebrates the achievement, many educators see the honor as recognition not only of professional success, but also of a lifetime devoted to helping children learn, grow, and succeed.

For Crowley, the award marks another milestone in a career built on service, persistence, and an enduring commitment to Rochester students and families.