In this episode, hosts Maria Khan and Aaron Leo sit down with Cindy Gallagher, Director of Government Relations at SAANYS (School Administrators Association of New York State). Together, they explore ongoing initiatives and insights from SAANYS and what they mean for schools and educators in New York. 

A Brief Bio of Dr. Gallagher 

Dr. Cindy Gallagher leads SAANYS’s member-driven Government Relations Committee, ensuring that school leaders’ voices are heard in key legislative and regulatory discussions across New York State. Holding a PhD in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University at Albany (SUNY), Dr. Gallagher combines scholarly expertise with firsthand experience. Dr. Gallagher is a tireless advocate for New York schools and administrators and offers a compelling perspective on the two-way relationship between policy decisions and the everyday realities of school leadership. 

What to Listen For: 

• Why this conversation matters right now — In a shifting educational landscape, what are the areas that school leaders need to consider? 

• Top priorities/challenges for school leaders in 2025 — Severe staffing shortages (including principals covering classrooms), student learning loss, discipline/behavior issues and more 

• Lasting impacts from COVID-19, five years later – Where are the impacts most prominent, early childhood education or secondary schools or high schools? 

• Real-world insights and advocacy in action — How does SAANYS amplify the voices of principals and administrators across the state to influence policy? 

• What this means for educators and administrators — Key takeaways and practical ideas you can bring back to your district or school.