Norb Fuest, president of the Genesee Valley BOCES Board of Education, has received the Anne Z. Paulin Distinguished Service Award from the Rural Schools Association of New York State.

Presented annually, the award recognizes a local board of education member or Rural Schools Association board member who demonstrates exceptional service to New York’s rural schools and has made significant contributions to the association. Recipients exemplify selfless leadership and inspire others to strengthen rural schools and communities.

Fuest, a longtime member of the Genesee Valley BOCES Board of Education, was recognized for his steady leadership and commitment to serving students, educators and communities throughout rural New York.

In remarks introducing Fuest as the award recipient, he was described as someone who consistently responds when called upon.

“He did what he always does, respond when called upon with quiet, reasoned leadership, through a time of great challenge and change for the association,” the presenter said.

Fuest stepped into the role of chair of the Rural Schools Association Board two years ahead of schedule. He accepted the position unexpectedly and helped guide the organization through a significant period of transition.

Under his leadership, the association navigated its early years as an independent organization and developed a strategic plan to guide its future. Fuest also led efforts to select staff, establish new roles and responsibilities, expand the association’s work to meet the changing needs of its members and increase membership.

His leadership helped align the association’s operations with the needs of its members while strengthening its finances and creating opportunities to provide additional services. Most recently, Fuest guided the selection process for the association’s new executive director, helping position the organization for continued success.

Throughout these changes, Fuest brought a thoughtful and measured approach to leadership. His willingness to step forward during challenging moments and his dedication to rural education reflect the values represented by the Anne Z. Paulin Distinguished Service Award.

The recognition celebrates not only Fuest’s contributions to the Rural Schools Association of New York State, but also his long-standing service to Genesee Valley BOCES and the rural communities it serves.