Pelham's Sarah Marandos Recognized with NHSAA Outstanding Service Award

CONCORD, NH — Pelham Assistant Superintendent Sarah Marandos has been selected as the 2026 Outstanding Service Award recipient by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA).

Marandos is recognized for her efforts to ensure quality education for all students in the Pelham School District. Her responsibilities include district-level curriculum, assessment, instruction, and professional learning. Marandos also serves as middle school assistant principal. She has also taken on interim roles as director of technology and dean of students due to staff vacancies.

Superintendent Chip McGee noted Marandos's commitment to students. McGee wrote that Marandos was responsible for implementing McKinney-Vento Act programs for homeless students.

"When we have students with unreliable housing, Sarah is responsible for ensuring there is no disruption to their education," McGee said. "For Sarah, that means delivering food baskets, gas cards, and clean clothes to their homes, wherever and whatever they might be. It means welcoming the students and their parents into school, personally. The wellspring of Sarah's commitment to children knows no bounds."

Marandos joined the Pelham School District in July 2017 and has served as assistant superintendent since July 2021. Her career in education began in the Nashua School District.

Jeanna Wagner, an instructional coach/digital learning specialist in the Pelham School District, said Marandos has reimagined professional learning. Kimberly Noyes, Pelham's director of student services, added Marandos's thoughtful approach embraces change. Noyes wrote that "Students of all learning abilities and staff members with all talents are brought together to pursue high-quality learning without limits."

NHSAA Executive Director, Mark MacLean, noted Marandos's work.

"Dr. Marandos is an exceptional education leader. Her innovative and inspiring work evolving learning and teaching in Pelham exemplifies the collaborations and connections happening throughout New Hampshire," He said. "Student opportunities prosper with skilled leaders like Dr. Marandos. The NHSAA is thrilled to honor her work through the Outstanding Service Award."

Marandos will be recognized at the annual NHSAA conference in Bretton Woods in June. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University.