The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators is pleased to share that it honored Lisa M. Sandler of Plymouth as this year’s recipient of the Dr. David F. Cronin Award, MAVA’s highest honor.
Sandler served in a number of roles with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, most recently as Methods of Administration State Coordinator at DESE. As MOA Coordinator, Sandler was responsible for ensuring all students have equitable access to high-quality career technical education. She also worked in numerous roles at Blue Hills Regional Technical School and Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School during her career.
MAVA presented the award during its annual three-day retreat on Aug. 2 at the Devens Commerce Center.
“Many of us knew David F. Cronin, and what he represented and stood for, and he was magnificent,” Sandler said. “It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award. This honor is not about me. Nothing happens in isolation. The only way great things happen is when we work together. This award represents us, and the tremendous work we have done throughout these years.”
The award recognizes a person who has worked tirelessly, to the highest professional standards, in advancing and improving vocational technical education opportunities, who has advanced vocational technical education and who represents the highest standards of integrity as exemplified by Dr. Cronin. The honoree may not be a current member of the MAVA Board of Directors.
“Over her long and distinguished career, Lisa has been steadfast in her support of technical education,” MAVA Executive Director Steven Sharek said. “She has never hesitated to speak truth to power, to uphold the highest standards of integrity, to protect high program standards, and always fight for what was right for all students.”
MAVA’s annual planning retreat brings together superintendents and leading vocational administrators from across the state for professional development seminars and workshops. More than 100 administrators gathered om Aug. 1-3.
Sessions included:
- A workshop on advocacy, at the state and local levels, delivered by Pathfinder Tech Superintendent Eric Duda, Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Superintendent Michael Watson, and Anthony Abdelahad, General Counsel, Ventry Associates.
- A presentation by State Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, who provided an update on challenges facing agricultural and career technical education.
- Boston School Superintendent Mary Skipper presented the District’s plans for a major building expansion at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School.
- Karen Ward, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Massachusetts, discussed current program initiatives, increasing community partnerships, fundraising, and future pathways for growth. She also discussed the continuing success of Massachusetts students in SkillsUSA national competition, where students won 30 gold medals and 48 overall in 2023.
- Superintendent Watson shared his District’s efforts to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion within the school’s faculty, staff, and students.
- Jeffrey Riley, Commissioner of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the DESE Leadership Team engaged MAVA members in a conversation about the current state of career technical education, and challenges ahead.
During its Retiree Recognition and Awards Dinner, MAVA recognized eight recent retirees for their commitment to career technical education.
MAVA also introduced the superintendents who will serve on the Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 school year: Dr. Heidi Riccio, Essex Tech, President; Dr. Denise Pigeon, Superintendent, Nashoba Tech, Vice President; Aaron Polansky, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, Treasurer; Dr. Karen Maguire, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, Secretary; and Dr. Andrew Linkenhoffer, Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School, Immediate Past President.\
MAVA wishes to thank departing officer Ernest F. Houle, Assabet Tech Superintendent, for his commitment and service to MAVA.
Lisa M. Sandler, center, was presented the Dr. David F. Cronin Award by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators. With her are MAVA Executive Director Steven Sharek, left, and MAVA Board President Heidi Riccio, Superintendent of Essex Tech. 
Boston Superintendent Mary Skipper responds to a question from MAVA Executive Director Steven Sharek.
