Dr. Jesse Dougherty, Ed.D., Green Vale's head of school, has been selected to serve on the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Commission on Accreditation. The commission is responsible for reviewing and determining whether schools meet the rigorous standards required for NYSAIS accreditation, a process that ensures high-quality, mission-driven education throughout the state.
Each year, the commission reviews materials from member schools undergoing their 5- or 10-year accreditation cycles. This includes a comprehensive self-study by the school, a report from a visiting team of peer educators, and an in-depth evaluation by the commission. With 203 independent schools in the NYSAIS network, the work of the commission helps maintain shared standards while celebrating the distinctiveness of each institution.
“It’s one of the most meaningful ways a head of school can contribute to the broader independent school community,” said Dr. Dougherty. “It ensures that schools are not only meeting essential benchmarks in areas like safety, governance, and program quality, but that they are doing so in an authentic way that reflects their individual missions.”
Dr. Dougherty’s appointment follows his work leading an accreditation committee for another school, as well as guiding Green Vale through its own successful 10-year accreditation process.
His participation on the commission aligns closely with his leadership philosophy. “Authenticity is critical to school leadership,” he said. “The accreditation process affirms that what schools say they do is actually happening—and that continuous reflection and improvement remain central to their work.”
In his role, Dr. Dougherty will help review documentation submitted by schools, interpret how well each meets the NYSAIS standards, and contribute to refining the accreditation process itself. “Each time I read how another school approaches a challenge or defines success, it pushes me to think more deeply about our own practices at Green Vale,” he added. “It’s validating to see shared values across schools, but also incredibly valuable to learn new ways of thinking.”
Beyond professional growth, Dr. Dougherty views this work as a contribution to the future of independent education. “I believe deeply in the independent school model,” he said. “When schools are held to high, thoughtful standards, families can feel confident that they’re in the right place—both academically and culturally—for their child.”
Dr. Dougherty joins a select group of 22 school leaders on the commission whose collective work helps strengthen independent schools across New York, while bringing back insight and inspiration to their own communities.