In recognition of contributions made to the Webster Chamber of Commerce, leadership of the Webster Central School District, and his Community involvement, the Webster Chamber of Commerce recognized Thomas J. Strining as the 2006 Business Person of the Year.
Chamber of Commerce
- Member of the Chamber Board of Directors from 2000-2003.
- Helped implement the Chamber’s vision of Webster as a “destination for recreation” as proposed in the Case for Business (January, 1999)
- With Cathie Thomas and Ron Nesbitt, oversaw the initiation and successful completion of a 50 meter, eight lane swimming pool, a 21,000 sq. ft. field house, 8-lane all weather track, and 11 multi-purpose athletic fields as part of the WCSD Building the Future project and Community Partnership. This successful intermunicipal agreement has been made possible through the cooperation of the Webster School Board and the Webster Town Board.
- Webster designated as Sport’s Illustrated, “Sportstown USA” for New York State in 2004.
- Authored The Synergy of Three, a place for business, education and recreation pamphlet.
- Program has resulted in 50,000-70,000 new visitors to Webster each year.
- Serves on the Case for Business which has identified the need to improve Route 404, the potential development of the Salt Road-Basket Road district for cold-water cooling, and the on-going development of the Village of Webster, as its current top three priorities.
- Has participated in numerous economic development meetings conducted by the Chamber as well as Town Meetings conducted by Senator Michael Nozzolio. Helped develop videotape used by the Chamber in its 2005 meeting with Senator Nozzolio regarding its current priorities.
Webster Central School District
- 30 years service as an educator in the Webster Central School District, beginning as a special education teacher in 1975, 12 years experience as a building principal, both at the elementary and high school level, 3 years as a district office administrator, and as Webster’s Superintendent of Schools since 1999.
- Opened 11th school which included the reorganization of the district and its instructional program into a K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 structures; also supervised an approximate increase of 30% in student population.
- Expansion of technology throughout the district, integrating its use in all content areas and moving student use from “optional” to “universal”.
- Lobbied at the local and state level to reform the state aid formula so that it can be tied to student enrollment rather than earlier (1999) and fixed levels.
- In addition to the Community Partnership, has participated in the development of an intermunicipal agreement with the Village of Webster to share a fueling facility and a number of maintenance operations.
Community Leadership
- Serves as president of the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents and is chair of the Monroe BOCES I Special Education Steering Committee.
- Serves on Monroe County School Boards Association Executive and Steering committees.
- Serves on Board of Directors for Young Audiences of Rochester.
- Maintains collegial working relationship with PTSA, Webster Athletic Boosters, Webster Police Department 1000 Club and Webster Marching Band Boosters.