Senate Resolution No. 1932

BY: Senator MAYER

CONGRATULATING Karen Blumenthal upon the occasion
of her retirement after nearly 30 years of
distinguished service to Student Advocacy, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and
recognize those dedicated professionals, who strive to enhance the
quality of education for our students, and whose character,
accomplishments and community contributions inspire all citizens of this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Karen Blumenthal upon the occasion of her retirement after
nearly 30 years of distinguished service to Student Advocacy, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Well-known for addressing attendance problems and chronic
absenteeism in relationship to student success, Karen Blumenthal's
efforts have played a vital role in bringing attention to strong,
effective attendance policies and practices which have had a positive
impact on schools and districts throughout Westchester County, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Karen Blumenthal has dedicated her life and career to
improving the educational opportunities for all children; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1989, Karen Blumenthal began her illustrious
career with Student Advocacy, Inc., a nonprofit organization which
provides an effective voice for children who face significant obstacles
in school, so they receive the resources they need to succeed
educationally and rediscover their lives; and

WHEREAS, Karen Blumenthal has co-authored three Attendance Papers;
the 2017 paper, Strengthening School Attendance Policies and Practices,
discusses how chronic absence is now an accountability indicator in New
York's plan to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA); and

WHEREAS, In addition, this extraordinary woman has published a great
deal of work on various topics such as adoption, foster care, and
children and female prisoners; she most recently authored, Solutions Not
Suspensions Intervention Guide: A Planning Guide to Promote Alternatives
to Suspensions; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to education,
Karen Blumenthal has also served as an instructor at the University of
Maryland School of Social Work and as an adjunct lecturer at Columbia
University School of Social Work; and

WHEREAS, Prior to her role at Student Advocacy, Karen Blumenthal
served the Children's Defense Fund as a consultant in 1974, and later
transitioned to Special Services for Children in New York City; and

WHEREAS, After several years, Karen Blumenthal turned her attention
to Westchester area children, working with various organizations such as

Children's Village, United Way of Westchester and Family Services of
Westchester; through her tireless work with these groups, she has made a
significant impact on the lives of countless children and families; and

WHEREAS, The Westchester County community is indeed fortunate and
blessed to have had such a dedicated and respected educational leader;
her wisdom and contributions reached into every classroom, truly making
a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to have worked with her;
and

WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
Karen Blumenthal has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication,
an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality
of the educational programs and opportunities offered in her community;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Karen Blumenthal over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Karen Blumenthal upon the occasion of her retirement, and to wish
her continued success in all her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Karen Blumenthal.