Senate Resolution No. 806

BY: Senator AKSHAR

CONGRATULATING Mark Bordeau upon the occasion of
his retirement as Director of Food Services after
many years of distinguished service to Broome-Tioga
BOCES

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor 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
congratulate Mark Bordeau upon the occasion of his retirement as
Director of Food Services after many years of distinguished service to
Broome-Tioga BOCES; and

WHEREAS, A certified School Nutrition Executive with more than three
decades of experience managing child nutrition programs in over 15
school districts across New York State, Mark Bordeau began his
illustrious career as Director of Food Services at Broome-Tioga BOCES in
March of 1999; he will officially retire from this esteemed position on
Thursday, June 3, 2021; and

WHEREAS, BOCES is a unique and innovative educational institution
which was established to help public schools control costs and provide
quality programs by sharing services; this vital institution operates as
an extension of the local school districts and the New York State
Education Department; and

WHEREAS, One of 37 such entities around the state, Broome-Tioga
BOCES serves 15 component school districts in Broome and Tioga Counties,
annually touching the lives of nearly 35,000 students in grades K-12 and
many others in adult programs; and

WHEREAS, Mark Bordeau has truly centered his life around public
service and finding new ways to give back to his community through the
development of strategic partnerships to bring people together, as well
as through his tireless fundraising efforts; he has also been
instrumental in positively influencing legislation related to school
nutrition programs; and

WHEREAS, As a member and past President of the New York School
Nutrition Association, Mark Bordeau created, developed and successfully
implemented a nationally recognized Farm to School program and brought
over 100 coalition partners together; and

WHEREAS, While focusing on food quality and safety assurance, this
extraordinary man also spearheaded the efforts to provide for families
in need to ensure every child receives high-quality food while attending
school; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark Bordeau led
a program which distributed more than two million emergency food boxes
to families in need throughout the local community; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his profession, Mark Bordeau has launched
countless successful food service programs integrating government,
industry and community stakeholders, including School Breakfast After
the Bell, which provided schoolchildren with free breakfast, increasing
servings from 6,000 to 13,000 a day; and

WHEREAS, Mark Bordeau has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, including the FAME Golden Director of the Year by
the School Nutrition Association, Leadership and Partnership Award by
the School Administrators Association of New York State, Full Circle
Award by the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, National School Lunch
Director of the Year by the School Nutrition Association, and the Anne
B. Gennings Award by the New York School Nutrition Association (NYSNA);
and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Mark Bordeau has given tirelessly of his time and energies to
countless organizations, some of which include the Broome County Cornell
Cooperative Extension, Broome County Arena Board, Town of Binghamton
Zoning Board of Appeals, Broome County Child Hunger Task Force, Food
Bank of the Southern Tier, New York School Nutrition Association (NYSNA)
and the School Nutrition Association; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Mark Bordeau served Broome-Tioga
BOCES with intelligence and caring dedication, truly earning the
admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Mark Bordeau over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication
to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mark Bordeau 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 Mark Bordeau.