LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Middletown Enlarged City
School District upon the occasion of receiving the Federal Race to the
Top District Award

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those school districts who, by achieving outstanding success
in education, have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the Middletown Enlarged City School District upon the occasion of
winning the Federal Race to the Top District Competition; and
WHEREAS, Sponsored by the United States Department of Education, this
contest was created to spur innovation and reforms in K-12 education;
and
WHEREAS, In the competitive grant process, Middletown Enlarged City
School District was the only district in New York to win the nationwide
race, beating out the state's only other finalist, New York City; and
WHEREAS, For the students, part of the thrill is that a portion of the
award will be used to buy 5,000 tablets, such as iPads, for their own
instructional use; this will enable many students with no access to
internet services to do research in their homes; and
WHEREAS, A significant amount in awards was available for districts
that could develop innovative plans to personalize student learning;
Middletown Enlarged City School District was one of 16 winning districts
selected by the U.S. Department of Education from 61 national final-
ists; and
WHEREAS, Much credit is owed to Dr. Kenneth Eastwood, Superintendent
of the Middletown Enlarged City School District, for the stellar leader-
ship and tireless advocacy on behalf of the students in his district;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to buying new technology, some of the award will
be used to hire additional staff, provide teacher training and expand
programs for the 7,200 enrolled students; programs include a two-year
kindergarten for students who are not considered "kindergarten-ready,"
as well as free college courses for disadvantaged high school students;
and
WHEREAS, The Middletown Enlarged City School District has been an
integral part of the history of its community, representing a dynamic,
responsive and positive force within the educational system of New York
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Middletown Enlarged City School District upon the occa-
sion of winning the Federal Race to the Top Competition; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Kenneth Eastwood, Superintendent, Middletown Enlarged
City School District.