Honor Blumenthal for Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 1932 BY: Senator MAYER CONGRATULATING Karen Blumenthal upon the occasion of her retirement after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to Student Advocacy, Inc. WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and recognize those dedicated professionals, who strive to enhance the quality of education for our students, and whose character, accomplishments and community contributions inspire all citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Karen Blumenthal upon the occasion of her retirement after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to Student Advocacy, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Well-known for addressing attendance problems and chronic absenteeism in relationship to student success, Karen Blumenthal's efforts have played a vital role in bringing attention to strong, effective attendance policies and practices which have had a positive impact on schools and districts throughout Westchester County, New York; and WHEREAS, Karen Blumenthal has dedicated her life and career to improving the educational opportunities for all children; and WHEREAS, In June of 1989, Karen Blumenthal began her illustrious career with Student Advocacy, Inc., a nonprofit organization which provides an effective voice for children who face significant obstacles in school, so they receive the resources they need to succeed educationally and rediscover their lives; and WHEREAS, Karen Blumenthal has co-authored three Attendance Papers; the 2017 paper, Strengthening School Attendance Policies and Practices, discusses how chronic absence is now an accountability indicator in New York's plan to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA); and WHEREAS, In addition, this extraordinary woman has published a great deal of work on various topics such as adoption, foster care, and children and female prisoners; she most recently authored, Solutions Not Suspensions Intervention Guide: A Planning Guide to Promote Alternatives to Suspensions; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to education, Karen Blumenthal has also served as an instructor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and as an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University School of Social Work; and WHEREAS, Prior to her role at Student Advocacy, Karen Blumenthal served the Children's Defense Fund as a consultant in 1974, and later transitioned to Special Services for Children in New York City; and WHEREAS, After several years, Karen Blumenthal turned her attention to Westchester area children, working with various organizations such as Children's Village, United Way of Westchester and Family Services of Westchester; through her tireless work with these groups, she has made a significant impact on the lives of countless children and families; and WHEREAS, The Westchester County community is indeed fortunate and blessed to have had such a dedicated and respected educational leader; her wisdom and contributions reached into every classroom, truly making a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to have worked with her; and WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State, Karen Blumenthal has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered in her community; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Karen Blumenthal over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Karen Blumenthal upon the occasion of her retirement, and to wish her continued success in all her future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Karen Blumenthal.