Assembly Resolution No. 567

BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes

CONGRATULATING Les Leopold upon the occasion of
his retirement after many years of distinguished
service as Director of Adult and Continuing
Education for Buffalo Public Schools

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and
character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this
great State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Les Leopold upon the occasion of his retirement after many
years of distinguished service as Director of Adult and Continuing
Education for Buffalo Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Les Leopold has been serving as the Director of Adult and
Continuing Education for Buffalo Public Schools for nearly a decade; in
this capacity, he oversees and directs more than 200 staff in all
aspects of adult education including grants, human resources and
educational program development; and

WHEREAS, Les Leopold began his illustrious career in vocational
education in 1982, as an instructor at the New York State Division for
Youth; he went on to join Buffalo Public Schools as a vocational
instructor at McKinley High School in 1996; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Les Leopold created a comprehensive
Vocational Graphic Arts program which included setting up a
state-of-the-art lab, developing curriculum, and establishing strong
business partnerships which were instrumental in acquiring internships
and jobs for students; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, after earning Masters degrees in Administration
and Leadership from the University at Buffalo, and Administration Career
Education at Buffalo State College, Les Leopold was appointed as a
Supervisor at the Adult Education Division; he held this position until
his promotion to Director in 2008, the esteemed position from which he
will officially retire on Thursday, June 20, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Les Leopold, the Adult
Education Division tripled its percentage of students who have made
educational gains as measured by NYSED standards; and

WHEREAS, With the belief that Adult Education serves many who have
endured significant hardships, Les Leopold unwaveringly supports these
students with counseling, additional tutoring and referrals to other
services organizations; and

WHEREAS, Prior to embarking on his career in education, Les Leopold
valiantly served his country as a member of the United States Navy; he
credits this experience with teaching him the valuable skills he later
used to coach and motivate at-risk students; and


WHEREAS, Les Leopold was also the owner of Waterfront Printing,
Inc., a commercial printing company in Buffalo, New York, which he ran
for approximately 25 years; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Betty, who has shown
him love and support and rejoices in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, The Buffalo community is indeed fortunate and blessed to
have had such a dedicated and respected educational leader; his wisdom
and contributions reached into every classroom, truly making a
difference in the lives of those lucky enough to have worked with him;
and

WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
Les Leopold has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an
unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of
the educational programs and opportunities offered at Buffalo Public
Schools for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the
entire community; and

WHEREAS, In completing his service as Director of Adult and
Continuing Education, Les Leopold leaves behind more than mere bricks
and mortar; he leaves behind a legacy to the students of Buffalo Public
Schools and to the residents of the Buffalo community; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Les Leopold upon the occasion of his retirement, and to wish him
continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Les Leopold.