From left are WNYESC Executive Director Anthony Day, award recipient Louise Boutwell, and Randolph Superintendent Kaine Kelly.

HAMBURG – A long-serving member of the Randolph Central School District Board of Education was recently recognized for her decades of leadership and community service.

Louise C. Boutwell received the 2026 Western New York Educational Service Council Award of Excellence on April 22.

Boutwell was presented the award alongside nearly 20 other regional recipients during a ceremony at Michael’s Banquet Hall. The honor is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated a significant and lasting impact on public education.

For Boutwell, the recognition marks more than 40 years of service to the Randolph school community, which included time as board president. She has provided steady, ethical, student-centered leadership throughout periods of significant educational change, according to Superintendent Kaine Kelly. He credits her unique perspective to an extensive career as a school counselor and her current role as a College Board SAT Suite Test Coordinator.

“Her decisions have consistently reflected a deep understanding of student needs,” Kelly said. “Louise brings a rare perspective to governance, one grounded equally in policy, practice, and personal advocacy for students.”

Boutwell’s impact extends beyond the boardroom and into the heart of the Randolph community. WNYESC applauded her philanthropic efforts as a founding member and director of the Randolph Community Cupboard, which works to ensure that students and families have access to reliable food resources.

“What truly sets Louise apart is her ability to connect school leadership with community action,” Kelly said. “Her long-standing involvement in holiday assistance programs, free produce distribution, after-school enrichment activities, and community meals has directly supported students’ readiness to learn and sense of belonging.”

Reflecting on her professional relationship with the district leadership, Kelly described Boutwell as an “incredibly intelligent, unique person” who brings a fresh perspective to the area, having originally come from Vermont. He emphasized that their working relationship has helped him become a more effective superintendent and school leader.

“She sets the example of exactly how a board can partner to strengthen the community and the school,” Kelly said. “She has been an invaluable resource to the students and our departments, from the guidance office to our principals. It has been nothing but a pleasure for me from the day that I met her.”

In her own remarks following the presentation, Boutwell credited the district’s success to the collaborative spirit of administrators and board members who want the best for every child.

“I’ve been very fortunate over the years in Randolph,” Boutwell said. “We really just have a very supportive community that really values education. I couldn’t pick a better place to live. It’s a wonderful place.”

WNYESC is a regional organization that brings together school districts, BOCES, and educational leaders across Western New York to share best practices and promote excellence in public education. Its annual Awards of Excellence highlight those who exemplify the highest standards of service to students and their communities. More information about WNYESC can be found at wnyesc.org.