Middletown’s John Perrino awarded school boards association’s top honor for board service |
FOR RELEASE: October 1, 2025
John Perrino, a member of the Middletown City School District board of education for 24 years, is this year’s recipient of the New York State School Boards Association’s Everett R. Dyer Award for Distinguished School Board Service, the organization’s highest honor.
The award, which is given by NYSSBA each year to a current or former board member who demonstrates the highest level of positive impact on K-12 education and students in their district, will be presented at NYSSBA’s 2025 Annual Convention & Education Expo in New York City in October.
“NYSSBA is extremely proud to honor John Perrino for his dedicated service to the Middletown school community, particularly the students who he has had the privilege to serve through the years,” said NYSSBA President Sandra Ruffo.
Prior to becoming a member of the school board, Mr. Perrino was a teacher at Middletown High School. While a teacher, he participated in various Middletown teaching committees that advocated for fair funding in education. The work of these committees involved consistent communication with state and national officials to encourage equitable increases in funding for schools.
As a board member, Mr. Perrino has continued to advocate for fair funding for small city and other school districts by chairing several fair-funding committees and lobbying state lawmakers. He has been instrumental in making sure that the Middletown school district receives the financial resources it needs to provide a high-quality education, which has enabled the district to enhance academic programs, extracurricular activities, and essential support services for students and families.
Mr. Perrino was also instrumental in advocating for in-person instruction and wraparound services during the pandemic, supporting the use of general funds to provide free meals for all students when federal resources fell short, and promoting dual enrollment programs to expand access to college-level courses for underserved scholars.
“His tireless advocacy, innovative leadership, and selfless dedication have left a lasting legacy in our district and beyond,” said Middletown Superintendent Amy Creeden. “His work is a testament to the profound difference one individual can make in shaping a brighter future for all.”
For a photo of John Perrino, click here.
