The Ellenville Central School District (ECSD) is honored to celebrate its 2025 Distinguished Friend of Education awardee—and long-time Board member—Iris Friedman.
For the past nine years, the Ulster County School Boards Association (UCSBA) has recognized champions of education nominated by each district's Board of Education. Friedman and other Friends of Education were celebrated during the UCSBA's dinner and ceremony on November 20.
Friedman has been a dedicated member of the ECSD community for decades, contributing her talents both inside and outside the classroom. A graduate of Ellenville, Friedman earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Miami and served as a Special Education teacher in the District from 1974 to 1976. She then left teaching to establish a screen-printing business while raising her two children, both of whom are also District graduates. Her passion for education later led her to serve on the Board of Education, beginning in July 2000. During her tenure, she held the position of vice president from 2016 through 2022, offering leadership and guidance to the District before continuing as a Board member in 2022.
Throughout her Board service, Friedman has played an active role in shaping school policy as a member of the Policy Committee. Her community involvement extends beyond education to include contributions to the Ellenville Hospital Auxiliary and the Hunt Memorial Preservation Committee.
Friedman's care for the District takes many forms. Known as the "Resident Gardener," she takes pride in tending to plants and flower beds, helping the school grounds reflect her dedication. She is equally devoted to advocating for the Ellenville TV & Radio Studio, honoring the legacy of her late husband, Dennis Warner, whose vision and generosity helped establish the Dennis J. Warner Studios.
We congratulate Mrs. Friedman and thank her for tending to our District with care and fostering our community's growth.