Senate Resolution No. 3076

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

HONORING Executive Director Billy Easton upon the
occasion of his retirement after 14 years of
distinguished service to Alliance for Quality
Education

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Executive Director Billy Easton upon the occasion of his retirement
after 14 years of distinguished service to the Alliance for Quality
Education; and

WHEREAS, In 2020, the Alliance for Quality Education (AQE) will be
marking its 20th Anniversary of advocating for parents, families, and
students; remaining true to its mission, this vital organization is
committed to education and racial justice, working to ensure that all
children and families have access to high quality public schools in
every neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Under Billy Easton's leadership, AQE played an instrumental
role in winning a Foundation Aid formula designed to distribute state
school aid based on student need in response the landmark Campaign for
Fiscal Equity lawsuit in 2007; he drove AQE campaigns on equitable
school funding, reforms to Code of Conduct and school climate, school
governance, revenues to fund schools, opposition to privatization, among
many other areas; and

WHEREAS, Billy Easton served as Executive Director of AQE from 2005
until 2019; a former neighborhood, union and tenants' organizer, his
expertise in everything from policy development and advocacy to
campaigns and communications has helped build the organization into the
leading statewide community-based advocacy group on public education it
is today; and

WHEREAS, During his 14 years, Billy Easton has led AQE to expand its
organizing capacity and spearhead local and statewide campaigns on
equitable school funding, and reforms to Codes of Conduct, as well as
school climate, school governance, revenues to fund schools, and
opposition to privatization; and

WHEREAS, Under Billy Easton's direction, AQE has established itself
as a leader in the State of New York, bringing the voices of parents,
families, and students to the forefront; with Billy Easton at the helm,
the Alliance for Quality Education established itself as a leader in New
York State, bringing the voices of parents and students to the forefront
to demand that every child has an excellent education no matter their
race or zip code; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with AQE, Billy Easton earned the
admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues for his exemplary
advocacy; he was twice selected by City & State magazine as a member of
Albany's Power 100; he has written opinion and analysis pieces for The
New York Times, The Nation, VUE,(Voices in Urban Education, published by
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University), Time
Magazine, Buffalo News, Newsday, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle,
Albany Times-Union, and other publications; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his work with AQE, Billy Easton served as
neighborhood organizer, the Executive Director of a statewide tenants'
rights coalition, union organizer and worked as a fundraising canvasser
and electoral organizer for an environmental organization; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Executive Director Billy Easton upon the occasion of his
retirement after 14 years of distinguished service, and to wish him well
in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Executive Director Billy Easton.