Assembly Resolution No. 145

BY: M. of A. Lavine

COMMENDING Dr. Lorna R. Lewis upon the occasion of
serving as the 2018-2019 President of The New York
State Council of School Superintendents

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 Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Dr. Lorna R. Lewis upon the occasion of serving as the 2018-2019
President of the New York State Council of School Superintendents; when
she was sworn in last fall, she was the first black woman to preside
over the Council; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis has served as Superintendent of the
Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District for the last seven years
educating 5,000 students; before this time, she was the Superintendent
of the East Williston Union Free School District for five years; in
addition, she has served in other administrative capacities on Long
Island; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
profession, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis currently serves on the Executive
Committee for the New York State Council of School Superintendents,
where she co-chairs their curriculum committee; she also serves on the
New York State Education Commissioner's Advisory Council, is a member of
the Task Force for APPR, and President of the Nassau County
Superintendents; and

WHEREAS, During her tenure, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis has overseen a $49.8
million bond in improvements to facilities in the District, allowing the
Plainview-Old Bethpage District to serve students with an outstanding
learning environment; and

WHEREAS, Throughout Dr. Lorna R. Lewis' illustrious career, the
local high school has expanded its day from eight to nine periods, along
with the number of Advanced Placement and college-credit courses in the
high school has dramatically increased; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis has presented workshops at
local universities, BOCES and the New York State School Boards
Association on a variety of topics, including Teaching for the
Giftedness in All Children, Maintaining Excellence with Reduced
Revenues, Board-Superintendent Relations, and Digger Deeper: Ensuring
All Students to be College and Career Ready; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis has presented testimony on behalf of the
Council on the impact of testing to the New York State Senate and
presented a white paper to the New York State Education Commissioner and
the New York State Board of Regents on graduation rates on behalf of the
Nassau County Superintendents; and


WHEREAS, Dr. Lorna R. Lewis is respected statewide as an educational
leader and truly exemplifies the best of her profession; as a member of
the Council's Executive Committee, she is a thoughtful and informed
leader, providing keen insight on key issues affecting New York State;
and

WHEREAS, The Plainview-Old Bethpage community and New York State are
indeed fortunate and blessed to have such a dedicated and respected
educational leader; her wisdom and contributions reach into every
classroom, truly making a difference in the lives of those lucky enough
to work with her; and

WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
Dr. Lorna R. Lewis continually demonstrates an impressive dedication,
an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality
of the educational programs and opportunities offered at the
Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District for the benefit of its
faculty and students, as well as for the entire community; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Lorna R. Lewis upon the occasion of serving as the 2018-2019
President of The New York State Council of School Superintendents; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Lorna R. Lewis.