Assembly Resolution No. 957

BY: M. of A. Woerner

CONGRATULATING James P. Dexter upon the occasion
of his retirement after 12 years of distinguished
service as Superintendent of Schools for the
Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled;
its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its
educational professionals and the students they inspire; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those
outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have
been instrumental in developing character and academic excellence in the
young people of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate James P. Dexter upon the occasion of his retirement after
12 years of distinguished service as Superintendent of Schools for the
Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES; and

WHEREAS, Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) BOCES
programs give students the opportunity to graduate from high school with
technical experience, professional skills, national industry
certifications and college credit in a wide variety of high-demand
occupations; and

WHEREAS, Through a hands-on academic component in each classroom,
career and technical education students are able to integrate academics
into their curriculum to meet their high school graduation requirements;
many of the career academies are nationally accredited and feature
leading-edge technology, as well as instructors with the latest trade
experience; and

WHEREAS, James P. Dexter earned his bachelor's degree from SUNY
Fredonia School of Music and a master's degree in educational psychology
from the College of St. Rose, where he also completed coursework for his
school administrative certificate; he once again furthered his education
by taking classes for his School District Certificate at St. Lawrence
University; and

WHEREAS, James P. Dexter has enjoyed a long and distinguished career
in administration, serving as the Assistant Superintendent for
Administration and Special Services with the Franklin-Essex-Hamilton
BOCES in Malone, New York; from July of 2005 through 2010, he was the
Superintendent for Ichabod Crane Central School District in Valatie, New
York; and

WHEREAS, After leaving Columbia County, James P. Dexter returned to
Northern New York, holding the title of Superintendent of Schools for
the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES, the position from
which he will officially retire in 2022; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, James P. Dexter has planned,
administered and supervised a cooperative service for 31 districts, plus
the BOCES, whereby districts operate efficiently to educate a wide
segment of the population without discrimination; and

WHEREAS, James P. Dexter was the recipient of several awards and
accolades including the 2021 BOCES District Superintendent Extraordinary
Service Award from the Rural Schools Association of New York State and
the 2022 National School Development (NSDC) Cooperative Leadership Award
for his exemplary efforts to establish cooperative relationships with
other educational agencies or study councils in the course of creating
educational programs for the nation's schools; and

WHEREAS, From 2015-2021, James P. Dexter served on the CASDA
Executive Committee, and in 2018, he attended the United States Army
Commanding General's National Educators Tour in Fort Hood, Texas, to
learn about opportunities for soldiers; and

WHEREAS, For 12 years, James P. Dexter has rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to
Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES; throughout his
distinguished career, he has had a profound impact on the education of
thousands of students; and

WHEREAS, In his much-deserved retirement, James P. Dexter is looking
forward to spending more time with his wife, Catherine, and their
daughters, Elizabeth and Meghan in their new home in Florida; an avid
sports fan, he enjoys rooting for the Adirondack Thunder hockey team and
the Buffalo Bills; and

WHEREAS, As a driving force for career and technical education
throughout the north country and across the State of New York; James P.
Dexter has proudly served as a dynamic, compelling and respected role
model for others by virtue of both his professional and personal
commitment to making the world a better place to live, work and play;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate James P. Dexter upon the occasion of his retirement after
12 years of distinguished service as Superintendent of Schools for the
Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES, and to wish him great
success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James P. Dexter.