2019-J2713

Mourning the death of Judith Johnson, prominent educator, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of her community

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2019-J2713



Senate Resolution No. 2713

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Judith Johnson, prominent
educator, distinguished citizen, and devoted member
of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Judith Johnson of New Hempstead, New York, died on Tuesday,
October 22, 2019, at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, Starting her career as a teacher in the New York City
schools, Judith Johnson went on to serve in administrative roles for the
Mamaroneck, Southern Westchester BOCES, Nyack, and White Plains school
systems; and

WHEREAS, Judith Johnson's immaculate career included a tenure in the
United States Department of Education under President Bill Clinton,
first serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary and later as the Acting
Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education; and

WHEREAS, Following this endeavor, Judith Johnson returned to New
York State and served as Superintendent of Peekskill schools from 2001
to 2011, and interim Superintendent of Mount Vernon Schools from 2012 to
2014; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, Judith Johnson was named New York State School
Superintendent of the Year, making her the first African American to
receive this auspicious award from the New York State Council of School
Superintendents; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 2015, Judith Johnson was inducted into the
Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame; that same year, she was
chosen by legislative leaders to represent the 9th Judicial District on
the Board of Regents, which creates educational policy; and

WHEREAS, A true pillar in her community, Judith Johnson was often
seen at schools, nonprofits, and community events; this extraordinary
woman truly cared about the life and well-being of all the students and
families she came in contact with; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Judith Johnson leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Judith Johnson, prominent educator, distinguished
citizen, and devoted member of her community, and to acknowledge all the
work she did over her illustrious career to nurture the hearts and minds
of young New Yorkers in the Lower Hudson Valley; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Judith Johnson.

actions

  • 29 / Jan / 2020
    • REFERRED TO FINANCE
  • 04 / Feb / 2020
    • REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION
  • 04 / Feb / 2020
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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