LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Raymond W. Bryant upon the occasion
of his retirement as Superintendent of Warwick Valley Central School
District after 43 distinguished years as a leader in education

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 individual efforts, the excellence and the
success of the Warwick Valley Central School District is due in large
part to the efforts of Dr. Raymond W. Bryant; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Raymond W.
Bryant upon the occasion of his retirement as Superintendent of Warwick
Valley Central School District after 43 distinguished years as a leader
in education; a retirement dinner will be held to celebrate this mile-
stone on Friday, May 9, 2014, at the Hickory Hill Country Club in
Warwick, New York; and
WHEREAS, For the past five years, Dr. Raymond W. Bryant has contin-
ually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion
and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational
programs and opportunities offered at Warwick Valley Central School for
the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the entire
community; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Raymond W. Bryant of Warwick, New York, graduated from
Adirondack Community College in Glens Falls, New York, with an Associate
of Arts degree in Liberal Arts in 1970, and State University of New York
at Plattsburgh, New York, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech
Pathology/Audiology in 1971; three years later, he went on to obtain a
Master of the Arts degree in Speech Pathology/Audiology from Vanderbilt
University in Nashville, Tennessee, and in 1990, he graduated from the
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, with a Doctor of Philos-
ophy degree in Educational Administration; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Raymond W. Bryant's record of excellence in education is
evidenced by the many accolades received under his leadership; Warwick
Valley High School earned the 2013 New York State Reward School, and
Sanfordville Elementary School was the recipient of the 2012 National
Blue Ribbon School; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure as Warwick Valley Central School District
Superintendent, Dr. Raymond W. Bryant oversaw the implementation of
Warwick's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program, which
gives all students the opportunity to develop social, emotional, and
behavioral skills; he was also instrumental in forming the new partner-
ship between the Warwick Valley School District and the Orange County
Department of Mental Health, which serves as an added support for
students, families, and staff members; and
WHEREAS, An exceptional leader and educator, Dr. Raymond W. Bryant
supports opportunities for all learners; each year, he purchases award-
winning student artwork and displays it in the district office, and
provides opportunities for college bound students to improve their
college acceptances; for students who find themselves in a disciplinary
hearing, Dr. Raymond W. Bryant sees an opportunity to connect with
students who may otherwise be disengaged; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Dr. Raymond W. Bryant has earned the admira-
tion, esteem and affection of his colleagues; during the summer he hosts
a "Pizza Breakfast" for bus drivers, and a barbeque for the buildings
and grounds staff; for the teaching staff, he instituted the "select
your favorite teacher to give you your diploma at graduation" concept,

where each spring, teachers from kindergarten through twelfth grade
receive invitations from high school seniors requesting that they, their
favorite teachers, hand them their diplomas at graduation; the Warwick
Valley Central School District teachers consider receiving such an invi-
tation to be one of the highest rewards of their careers; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Raymond W. Bryant's leadership has deepened the bond
between the Warwick community and its schools; some of the many communi-
ty-minded activities he has led and supported include Empty Bowls, an
event that has raised a significant amount since 2011 for the Backpack
Snack Attack program and the Warwick Food Pantry; Warwick Valley Farm
Aid 2011, which raised funds for local farmers devastated by Hurricane
Irene; as well as Warwick's Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk;
and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Valerie, and his
family, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, In completing his service as Warwick Valley Central School
District Superintendent and a leader in education, Dr. Raymond W. Bryant
leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves behind a lega-
cy to the residents of the Warwick community and to future generations
of its students; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Raymond W. Bryant upon the occasion of his retirement, and
for his 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 Dr. Raymond W. Bryant.