LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lawrence A. Clarke upon the occasion of
his retirement after many years of distinguished service in the field of
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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lawrence A.
Clarke upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distin-
guished service in the field of education; and
WHEREAS, Born on June 10, 1950, in Mt. Kisco, New York, to Margaret
and Edward Clarke, Lawrence A. Clarke graduated from Rondout Valley High
School, spending most of his childhood in and around Sullivan County;
and
WHEREAS, He earned a Bachelor's degree in Education, with minors in
English and Spanish, from SUNY Plattsburgh; he went on to complete his
Master's degree in Educational Administration from SUNY Albany; and
WHEREAS, On August 28, 1976, Lawrence and Susan Clarke were married
and together they had three children, Lauren, Jessica, and Lawrence;
today they are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren, Calvin,
Trey, Evan and Wyatt; and
WHEREAS, Described by his children as selfless, forward-thinking,
fair, insightful, thoughtful, and dedicated, Lawrence A. Clarke has
taught them the value of life through his actions, experiences and
words; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence A. Clarke began his career in education teaching
English at Schoharie Junior-Senior High School in 1973; he was instru-
mental in introducing a Spanish language program and coordinated an
Alternative Education Program aimed at putting failing students back on
track to graduate with their peers; and
WHEREAS, In 1990, Lawrence A. Clarke was named Assistant Principal,
and two years later, he was promoted to Principal; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Lawrence A. Clarke worked
collaboratively with local colleges and businesses to expand educational
opportunities for students; he initiated the Schoharie Distance Learning
Program, established the Junior-Senior High School Pupil Services Team,
and truly went above and beyond, supporting students' extracurricular
activities such as sports, musicals, dances, concerts, plays, and
science competitions; and
WHEREAS, With a genuine concern for his students, Lawrence A. Clarke
worked with Social Services, the Mental Health Department and County
Probation Officers to keep at risk students focused on their education
regardless of what may be affecting their lives; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he was a pioneer in the school safety movement,
inviting experts into the county for training purposes; he is the
co-founder of the Countywide School Violence Prevention Team, Schoharie
County Child Study Team and coordinated the Children's Services Initi-
ative; and
WHEREAS, Admired by his colleagues for the steadfast dedication and
commitment he gave to his students, particularly those most in need,
Lawrence A. Clarke influenced the lives of countless individuals; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Lawrence A. Clarke was named Superintendent of
Liberty Central School; in this capacity, he continued to put the
students first, often greeting them when they disembarked from their
buses in the morning, regardless of the weather; and

WHEREAS, Lawrence A. Clarke recognized the importance of, and devoted
himself to, mentoring district administrators, emphasizing safety, the
value of teaching life skills in conjunction with academics, and the
strong leadership skills required in order to work effectively with
students, teachers, parents and the greater community; and
WHEREAS, Upon his retirement from the esteemed position of Superinten-
dent in 2006, Lawrence A. Clarke and his wife moved to Virginia, during
which time he took a job as Assistant Principal of Charlottesville High
School; and
WHEREAS, Within this larger school setting, replete with a performing
arts center, more diverse population, and broader academic as well as
extracurricular offerings, Lawrence A. Clarke quickly went to work in
his signature style, walking the hallways, shaking hands, getting to
know every student, teacher, aide and visitor in his building; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, visitors were quick to note that shortly after
Lawrence A. Clarke arrived at Charlottesville High School, a tone of
unfailing gentleness yet firm expectation pervaded both classrooms and
corridors, creating an atmosphere of security, encouragement and unlim-
ited potential of success for all; and
WHEREAS, As with his leadership at other schools, Lawrence A. Clarke's
academic intervention and good counsel rescued many students from scho-
lastic failure, at-risk behavior and economic insecurity, guiding them
instead toward graduation, higher education, gainful employment and
social success; and
WHEREAS, After more than four decades of service in the field of
education, Lawrence A. Clarke will officially retire on Monday, June 30,
2014, to spend time with his cherished wife, Susan, his children, and
his grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, In completing his service as an educator, Lawrence A. Clarke
leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves behind a lega-
cy to the residents of the communities he so ably served and to future
generations of their students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Lawrence A. Clarke upon the occasion of his retirement, and wish
him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lawrence A. Clarke.