LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael J. Masse upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2013 President's Award by the New
York State School Boards Association

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and recog-
nize those individuals who have made significant contributions for the
advancement of public education and have distinguished themselves in
their dedication and commitment to the community; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to acknowledge the significant
milestones achieved throughout the careers of those outstanding leaders
whose achievements and advocacy have been instrumental in helping
students achieve success at a higher level; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor
and recognize Michael J. Masse upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2013 President's Award by the New York State School
Boards Association; and
WHEREAS, The President's Award, the highest award the New York State
School Boards Association bestows, recognizes Michael J. Masse for his
significant contributions to the betterment of public education; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Masse is a 20-year veteran of the Fayetteville-
Manlius Board of Education and has served as New York State School
Boards Association's Treasurer since 2006; prior to that position, he
served as Area 4 Director, representing school boards in the Central New
York area; and
WHEREAS, As treasurer of the New York State School Boards Association,
Michael J. Masse led the New York State School Boards Association
through tough fiscal times and also proposed many policies which
resulted in the financial stability of the Association, such as freezing
dues and then creating a structure more suitable for current fiscal
conditions, and positioning the organization to be able to pay off its
mortgage sooner than the 15 years it had originally anticipated; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Michael J. Masse proposed a plan to adjust the
New York State School Boards Association's post-retirement health care
benefits obligation to save money while preserving employees' benefits;
and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Masse worked hard with staff and investment advi-
sors to monitor performance and to ensure that a high standard was met
to maximize investments; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Masse holds a Master's degree in Business Adminis-
tration from Rider University and a Master's degree in Public Adminis-
tration from Maxwell School at Syracuse University; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Masse is a true advocate of public education who
faces the challenges as a former member of the school board head on; he
is known for his ability to teach his fellow colleagues the most compli-
cated financial details in the simplest of ways; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Shari, and their two
grown children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when indi-
viduals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael J. Masse upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2013 President's Award by the New York State School Boards Asso-
ciation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael J. Masse.