LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Center Street School upon the occasion
of celebrating its 113th Anniversary on May 18, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishment clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education 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
Center Street School upon the occasion of celebrating its 113th Anniver-
sary as well as the 50th Anniversary of the 1960 building; and
WHEREAS, A school-wide celebration, led by the 4th grade class and
open to the public, will be held in the auditorium; events will include
the opening of a time capsule from the 1960 building, a multimedia pres-
entation created by the 4th grade about the history of the school and a
tribute to Principal John Cook who is retiring after 26 years of distin-
guished service; and
WHEREAS, Located in Oneonta, New York, Center Street Elementary School
is the longest serving public school in the history of Oneonta; and
WHEREAS, Center Street Elementary School has always been known for
having a long and interesting history; for many years local history
books have proclaimed that construction on the school began in 1895,
with the school finally opening in 1897; however, recent research has
concluded that the public vote to purchase land for the school was not
held until April 16, 1897, with construction starting on June 2nd and
the first day of classes being held less than five months later on Octo-
ber 25, 1897; and
WHEREAS, From 1906-1933, Center Street School was leased by the
Village of Oneonta to the Oneonta State Normal School as a teacher
training site, and to this day continues to host student teachers from
both the State University College at Oneonta as well as Hartwick
College; and
WHEREAS, The students and staff of Center Street School bring an ener-
gy and enthusiasm with them each day as they walk through its doors
which continues to fuel its prominent role as a neighborhood school in
the community; the parents and surrounding community enjoy participating
in the day-to-day activities of the school as well as larger projects
such as building new playgrounds for the school and attending special
school-sponsored events; and
WHEREAS, Many former teachers and students still reside in the commu-
nity and continue to support Center Street School; during the 2009-2010
school year, 4th graders studying local history helped to publish a book
about the history of the school, as well as produce a DVD about its
history featuring on-camera interviews with many former students and
teachers who still reside in the community; these projects have helped
to create a new enthusiasm and energy for learning about the school's
rich and interesting past, while at the same time recognizing the impor-
tant role it can play in the future of the Oneonta City School District;
and
WHEREAS, The 113th Anniversary of Center Street School stands as a
resolute testimony to the school's standards of excellence, its uncom-
promising values, unparalleled dedication, and the special teamwork of
its family of students, parents, teachers and administrators, who share
common goals and uncommon expectations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Center Street School upon the occasion of celebrating its 113th

Anniversary, noting the significance of its accomplishment and recogniz-
ing the role such effective schools play in shaping the quality of life
in their community, State and Nation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Center Street School.