NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — James Brosnan was recognized late last year for his work with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

 

The nonprofit, independent accreditation organization presented Brosnan, superintendent of the Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District, with the Richard J. Bradley Endowment Fund Award.

 

"To be recognized by your peers when you spend an entire lifetime in education being a committee member, a commissioner, and chair fo NEASC over 15 plus years," the superintendent said at Thursday's School Committee meeting at McCann Technical School. "To be recognized by your peers is one of the single most important honors in my life."

 

Brosnan received the award at NEASC's annual conference in December. Brosnan is the immediate past chairman of the organization's board of trustees.

 

"I am obviously an advocate for the accreditation process and the organization will stay something that I am connected to," he said.

 

The award is given in the name of the longtime executive director of NEASC and is presented annually to an active New England educator who has made significant contributions to the work and purpose of NEASC and whose exemplary work maintains and advocates high standards of excellence in education.

 

According to NEASC, Brosnan oversaw the corporate restructuring as its Commission on Higher Education transitioned to a "separate and independent" entity. 

 

"The process involved a tremendous amount of time and effort over the past few years, and those who worked with Brosnan have lauded his high level of engagement, attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring that NEASC continue to be effective in its mission to assess, provide support to, and promote high-quality education in schools across the K-16 continuum."

 

Brosnan has been superintendent of McCann for 24 years.