LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the 853
Schools

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and compassionate commitment
whose exemplary programs and accomplishment clearly demonstrate an
enduring pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of the
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 40th Anniversary of the 853 Schools; and
WHEREAS, Created by Chapter 853 of the New York State Laws of 1976,
853 schools are operated by private agencies and provide day and/or
residential programs for students with disabilities; a Committee on
Special Education (CSE) may recommend a placement of a student with a
disability in an approved private school when it determines that the
student cannot be appropriately educated in the home school district, a
neighboring district or in the programs of a board of cooperative educa-
tional services (BOCES) program; and
WHEREAS, Some students are placed in an 853 School under Article 81 of
New York State Education Law by family court, local social services
districts, the Office of Children and Family Services or the Office of
Mental Health; and
WHEREAS, Students at 853 Schools may have emotional and educational
challenges, and some have been victims of abuse or neglect; for others,
the education serves as a vehicle to rehabilitate out of the juvenile
justice system; the vast majority of the students have special educa-
tional needs addressed through individualized education programs (IEP);
and
WHEREAS, In 1991, the New York State Coalition of 853 Schools was
formed with approximately 20 schools; this Coalition was formed to part-
ner with New York Education Department to identify ways to best serve
students; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Coalition of 853 Schools focuses on find-
ing solutions for various challenges, such as improving facilities for
students and teachers, addressing health and safety concerns, improving
programs and supporting teachers and clinical staff; and
WHEREAS, For the last 25 years, the membership of the Coalition has
more than doubled; currently, 43 schools are diligently working to
support students and enhance their lives; and
WHEREAS, Today, the New York State Coalition of 853 Schools strongly
believes in continually integrating standards, increasing awareness of
the capacity of our students to succeed; together with the partnership
and collaboration with state agencies and the New York State Legisla-
ture, the Coalition strives to bring together concerned and interested
parties to work towards improving outcomes for students; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the 853 Schools is in direct corre-
lation to the efforts of the 26,500 dedicated staff members and adminis-
trators who work tirelessly to ensure that over 10,200 students with
intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have the
support they need to live an ordinary American life; and
WHEREAS, The 853 Schools are proudly aware of its distinguished past,
eager to fulfill its present commitment to parents, students and the
community, and planning with vision and purpose for the ebb and swell of
growth and change it will encounter in the years to come; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the 853 Schools; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Coalition of 853 Schools.