Honor Dr. Lorna R. Lewis

Assembly Resolution No. 145 BY: M. of A. Lavine COMMENDING Dr. Lorna R. Lewis upon the occasion of serving as the 2018-2019 President of The New York State Council of School Superintendents WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in 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 commend Dr. Lorna R. Lewis upon the occasion of serving as the 2018-2019 President of the New York State Council of School Superintendents; when she was sworn in last fall, she was the first black woman to preside over the Council; and WHEREAS, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis has served as Superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District for the last seven years educating 5,000 students; before this time, she was the Superintendent of the East Williston Union Free School District for five years; in addition, she has served in other administrative capacities on Long Island; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her profession, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis currently serves on the Executive Committee for the New York State Council of School Superintendents, where she co-chairs their curriculum committee; she also serves on the New York State Education Commissioner's Advisory Council, is a member of the Task Force for APPR, and President of the Nassau County Superintendents; and WHEREAS, During her tenure, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis has overseen a $49.8 million bond in improvements to facilities in the District, allowing the Plainview-Old Bethpage District to serve students with an outstanding learning environment; and WHEREAS, Throughout Dr. Lorna R. Lewis' illustrious career, the local high school has expanded its day from eight to nine periods, along with the number of Advanced Placement and college-credit courses in the high school has dramatically increased; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis has presented workshops at local universities, BOCES and the New York State School Boards Association on a variety of topics, including Teaching for the Giftedness in All Children, Maintaining Excellence with Reduced Revenues, Board-Superintendent Relations, and Digger Deeper: Ensuring All Students to be College and Career Ready; and WHEREAS, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis has presented testimony on behalf of the Council on the impact of testing to the New York State Senate and presented a white paper to the New York State Education Commissioner and the New York State Board of Regents on graduation rates on behalf of the Nassau County Superintendents; and WHEREAS, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis is respected statewide as an educational leader and truly exemplifies the best of her profession; as a member of the Council's Executive Committee, she is a thoughtful and informed leader, providing keen insight on key issues affecting New York State; and WHEREAS, The Plainview-Old Bethpage community and New York State are indeed fortunate and blessed to have such a dedicated and respected educational leader; her wisdom and contributions reach into every classroom, truly making a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to work with her; and WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis continually demonstrates an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the entire community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Dr. Lorna R. Lewis upon the occasion of serving as the 2018-2019 President of The New York State Council of School Superintendents; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Lorna R. Lewis.