LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard P. Mills, President of the
University of the State of New York and Commissioner of Education, upon
the occasion of his retirement

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 custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the students
of New York State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Richard P.
Mills, President of the University of the State of New York and Commis-
sioner of Education, upon the occasion of his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Richard P. Mills was appointed by the Board of Regents Presi-
dent of the University of the State of New York and Commissioner of
Education in 1995; and
WHEREAS, Before being appointed in New York, Commissioner Mills served
as Commissioner of Education in Vermont and Special Assistant to Gover-
nor Thomas Keane of New Jersey, and held several positions in the New
Jersey Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Mills began his professional career in education
as a teacher of history at the Dalton School in New York City and helped
establish and manage the Elizabeth Seeger School in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Under his leadership at the State Education Department New
York, Commissioner Mills has established an overall strategy for raising
standards for all students, which includes: higher learning standards;
new curriculum and assessments; new policies and standards for teacher
preparation; and a new accountability system for schools that includes
statewide annual report cards for all districts and schools in the
state; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Mills has made closing the academic performance
gap in student achievement and the recruitment and development of effec-
tive school leaders a critical focus of the State Education Department;
and
WHEREAS, Increasing public access to cultural resources throughout the
state, recruitment and preparation of teachers and strengthening the
entire education system from pre-kindergarten through higher education
have been priority areas for the State Education Department during his
tenure; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Richard P. Mills on serving the State of New York with
excellence, intelligence, dignity and distinction; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Commissioner Richard P. Mills.