LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring James Polansky upon the occasion of his
designation by the School Administrators Association of New York State
as the 2010 New York State High School Principal of the Year

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend illustrious individuals whose purposeful lives and distinguished
careers have been committed to the pursuit of excellence in the educa-
tion of the youth of the 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
James Polansky, Principal of Walt Whitman High School in the South Hunt-
ington Union Free School District, upon the occasion of his designation
by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) as
the 2010 New York State High School Principal of the Year; and
WHEREAS, This prestigious award is given annually to a member of
SAANYS who has set the pace, character, and quality of education for the
students in his or her school; nominees are administrators who are
committed to students, parents, and the community and have shown excep-
tional contributions to the educational process; and
WHEREAS, An educator for 21 years including 11 years as a school
administrator, James Polansky holds a bachelor's degree in psychology
from SUNY Albany, an advanced graduate certificate in education adminis-
tration from SUNY Stony Brook, and credits toward his doctorate from
Hofstra University; and
WHEREAS, James Polansky is an active member of SAANYS, the National
Association of Secondary School Principals, and several other profes-
sional and community associations and is highly regarded for his dedi-
cation, commitment, and ability as a school leader by his faculty and
staff, fellow administrators, parents, and members of the community he
serves with such enthusiasm and diligence; and
WHEREAS, A clear advocate for innovative academic training for both
students and teachers, he actively supports his teachers' professional
development and overall commitment to excellent teaching; and
WHEREAS, James Polansky's educational philosophy is based on the
belief that when provided with a safe and secure environment, laden with
curricular and extracurricular opportunities, all students are capable
of reaching their academic and social potential; and
WHEREAS, He further believes that though any academic program should
include quality course curricula and instruction across the disciplines,
it should also include firmly established social and emotional learning
components, including teaching students that there is a need, no matter
what their age, to give back to the community in which they live; and
WHEREAS, When James Polansky became Principal of Walt Whitman High
School, a grade 9-12 suburban school, with a total enrollment of approx-
imately 1,900, the school was on the State's School Improvement List;
under his leadership, Walt Whitman is now not only off the School
Improvement List, it has been cited by the State Education Department as
a High Performing School the past two years; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such accomplishment are brought to our attention it is appropri-
ate to publicly proclaim and commend them for the edification and
emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor James Polansky upon the occasion of his designation by the School

Administrators Association of New York State as the 2010 New York State
High School Principal of the Year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James Polansky.