LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Howard Smith upon the occasion of
his retirement as Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School
District

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 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 young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Howard Smith upon the occasion of his retirement as Superintendent of
the Williamsville Central School District; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Howard Smith earned his bachelor's and master's degrees
in education at the State University of New York at Albany, and a
master's and doctorate in educational administration at the University
of Rochester; and
WHEREAS, His over 35-year career in public education has been spent in
New York State; he began teaching in the Albany area in the Bethlehem
and Voorheesville Central School Districts; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Howard Smith's transition from teaching to administration
began in the Shenendehowa Central School District, where he was dean of
students, social studies department supervisor, and high school assist-
ant principal; from there, he served as a high school principal for the
Poughkeepsie City Schools and as assistant superintendent for personnel
in the Gates Chili Central School District in suburban Rochester; he was
named superintendent of the East Aurora Central School District in 1997;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Howard Smith became Superintendent of Williamsville
Central School District in September of 2004; and
WHEREAS, As Superintendent of Williamsville Central School District,
Dr. Howard Smith has made many significant contributions, and has led
the district to the top spot in BUSINESS FIRST'S annual ranking of
public school systems for the seventh consecutive year; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Howard Smith is credited with maintaining the Williams-
ville district's status as one of the best public school districts in
Western New York, maintaining the district's financial health, improving
school facilities and promoting educational technology and teacher
training; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Dr. Howard Smith is a faculty member of the New
York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), Superintendent's
Academy and serves as an adjunct professor at SUNY Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Dr. Howard Smith provide a tremendous service
to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young
people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Howard Smith has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of the Williamsville Central School District, as well as on the
community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for
35 impressive years of dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Howard Smith upon the occasion of his retirement as Super-
intendent of the Williamsville Central School District, and for his
significant contributions to education in New York State; and to wish
him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Howard Smith.