LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring West Islip School District Superinten-
dent of Schools Dr. Beth Virginia Blau upon the occasion of her retire-
ment after many years of dedicated service as an educator

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, The result of many individuals' efforts, the excellence and
the success of the West Islip Public Schools is due in large part to the
efforts of its retiring Superintendent, Dr. Beth Virginia Blau; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor West
Islip School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Beth Virginia Blau
upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of dedicated
service as an educator; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on
October 1, 2010, at an event to be held in her honor at Captain Bill's
in Bay Shore, New York; and
WHEREAS, West Islip School District Superintendent of Schools since
2001, Dr. Beth Virginia Blau is retiring after many dedicated years of
service as an educator; and
WHEREAS, Prior to assuming her duties as Superintendent of Schools for
the West Islip School District, Dr. Beth Virginia Blau was the Assistant
Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the District from 1998
to 2001; she also served as the District's Director of Humanities, K-12
from 1995 to 1998; and
WHEREAS, From 1986 to 1995, Dr. Beth Virginia Blau was the Director of
Reading, K-12, Title 1 and Compensatory Services for the Long Beach City
School District; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure as West Islip School District Superinten-
dent of Schools, Dr. Beth Virginia Blau crafted and presented multiple
successful budgets to the community; obtained significant federal and
legislative grant monies for drug prevention programs, technology, and
post 9-11 security; and a global communications laboratory; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Beth Virginia Blau negotiated timely
contracts with the professional and non-certified staff and introduced a
tenure-based salary structure for administrators; she also designed and
instituted an Alternative High School and sponsored implementation of
the International Baccalaureate Program and Advanced Placement Art; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Beth Virginia Blau is a member of the American Associ-
ation of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa, and the New York State
Council of School Superintendents; she is also on the Board of Directors
of West Islip Remembers 9-11, and a member of both the Babylon Chapter
of Rotary and Suffolk County School Superintendents Association; and
WHEREAS, Among Dr. Beth Virginia Blau's numerous affiliations, awards
and activities are: being named an Educator of Excellence by the New
York State English Council; honorary life memberships in both the
National English Honor Society and PTA; honorary membership in Tri-M --
Music Honor Society; and the Education Award from Partners Advancing
West Islip Students (PAWS); she won a Hofstra University Doctoral
Fellowship in 1984 and in 2005 received the Achievement in Educational
Communications Award of Excellence; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Beth Virginia Blau is a Trustee of PAWS which she origi-
nated in 2004 to bring current and former community members together in
support of West Islip children and their education; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of a B.A. degree in History and Education
(1968) and a M.S. in Social Studies (1971) from Brooklyn College, Dr.

Beth Virginia Blau also received a M.S. in Reading in 1976 from Queens
College; she earned her C.A.S. in Administration and Policy Studies
(1986) and her Ed.D. in Language and Cognition from Hofstra University
(1987); and
WHEREAS, Dr. Beth Virginia Blau has continually demonstrated an
impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting
enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities
offered in the West Islip School District for the benefit of its faculty
and students, as well as for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, In completing her many years of service as an educator, Dr.
Beth Virginia Blau leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; she
leaves behind a legacy to the residents of the West Islip community and
to future generations of its students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and commend Dr. Beth Virginia Blau upon the occasion of her
retirement, and for her significant contributions to education in New
York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to West Islip School District Superintendent of Schools Dr.
Beth Virginia Blau, 1193 Julia Lane, North Bellmore, New York 11710.