LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Capital Area School Development Associ-
ation upon the occasion of being selected to receive the 2014 University
at Albany President's Award for Exemplary Community Engagement on April
25, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Capital Area School Development Association in partnership with Univer-
sity at Albany's School of Education and Washington-Saratoga-Warren-
Hamilton-Essex BOCES upon the occasion of being selected to receive the
2014 University at Albany President's Award for Exemplary Community
Engagement, which was celebrated at an Awards Ceremony at the University
at Albany, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed award honors University at Albany-community
partnerships which are enhancing public well-being in the Capital Region
and beyond; their community engagement is a collaboration between higher
education institutions and external partners in the mutually beneficial
exchange of knowledge and resources to address areas of public need; and
WHEREAS, The Capital Area School Development Association's initiative
is working with rural districts to address financial and instructional
challenges, and ensure their students receive a quality 21st century
education; and
WHEREAS, In partnership with Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex
(WSWHE) BOCES, the Capital Area School Development Association has
worked with seven school districts in Washington County to study and
identify opportunities for shared services and increased efficiencies;
participating districts are: Argyle, Cambridge, Fort Ann, Granville,
Hartford, Hudson Falls, and Salem; and
WHEREAS, Completed in 2012, the study has yielded such important
results as the creation of a distance learning program in six of the
districts that did not have one, as well as a Distance Learning Hub for
the districts to host and receive classes from each other; in addition,
four districts have agreed to share a Chief Information Officer as part
of a service through the WSWHE BOCES; and
WHEREAS, A long tradition of community-engaged research and service,
the Capital Area School Development Association is the 65-year-old field
arm of the School of Education, translating university research into
educational practice; and
WHEREAS, An independent membership organization, the Capital Area
School Development Association currently has over 100 participating
school districts; and
WHEREAS, Since 1949, the Capital Area School Development Association
has worked with member school districts to improve student achievement
and provide professional development for teachers, administrators, and
board members; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when indi-
viduals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Capital Area School Development Association upon the occasion of
being selected to receive the 2014 University at Albany President's

Award for Exemplary Community Engagement on April 25, 2014; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Capital Area School Development Association.