Bill Text: NY K00567 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Congratulating Les Leopold upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service as Director of Adult and Continuing Education

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-0)

Status: (Passed) 2019-06-13 - adopted [K00567 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-K00567-Introduced.html

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Assembly Resolution No. 567

BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes

        CONGRATULATING  Les  Leopold  upon the occasion of
        his retirement after  many  years  of  distinguished
        service   as   Director   of  Adult  and  Continuing
        Education for Buffalo Public Schools

  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,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
congratulate  Les Leopold upon the occasion of his retirement after many
years of distinguished service  as  Director  of  Adult  and  Continuing
Education for Buffalo Public Schools; and

  WHEREAS,  Les  Leopold has been serving as the Director of Adult and
Continuing Education for Buffalo Public Schools for nearly a decade;  in
this  capacity,  he  oversees  and  directs  more  than 200 staff in all
aspects  of  adult  education  including  grants,  human  resources  and
educational program development; and

  WHEREAS,  Les  Leopold  began  his  illustrious career in vocational
education in 1982, as an instructor at the New York State  Division  for
Youth;  he  went  on  to  join  Buffalo  Public  Schools as a vocational
instructor at McKinley High School in 1996; and

  WHEREAS, During this  time,  Les  Leopold  created  a  comprehensive
Vocational   Graphic   Arts   program   which   included  setting  up  a
state-of-the-art lab, developing  curriculum,  and  establishing  strong
business  partnerships  which were instrumental in acquiring internships
and jobs for students; and

  WHEREAS, In 2001, after earning Masters  degrees  in  Administration
and Leadership from the University at Buffalo, and Administration Career
Education  at  Buffalo  State  College,  Les  Leopold was appointed as a
Supervisor at the Adult Education Division; he held this position  until
his  promotion  to Director in 2008, the esteemed position from which he
will officially retire on Thursday, June 20, 2019; and

  WHEREAS, Under  the  able  leadership  of  Les  Leopold,  the  Adult
Education  Division  tripled  its  percentage  of students who have made
educational gains as measured by NYSED standards; and

  WHEREAS, With the belief that Adult Education serves many  who  have
endured  significant  hardships, Les Leopold unwaveringly supports these
students with counseling, additional tutoring  and  referrals  to  other
services organizations; and

  WHEREAS,  Prior to embarking on his career in education, Les Leopold
valiantly served his country as a member of the United States  Navy;  he
credits  this  experience with teaching him the valuable skills he later
used to coach and motivate at-risk students; and


  WHEREAS,  Les  Leopold  was  also  the owner of Waterfront Printing,
Inc., a commercial printing company in Buffalo, New York, which  he  ran
for approximately 25 years; and

  WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Betty, who has shown
him love and support and rejoices in his many achievements; and

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

  WHEREAS,  A  significant contributor to education in New York State,
Les Leopold has continually demonstrated an  impressive  dedication,  an
unparalleled  devotion  and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of
the educational programs and opportunities  offered  at  Buffalo  Public
Schools  for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the
entire community; and

  WHEREAS,  In  completing  his  service  as  Director  of  Adult  and
Continuing  Education,  Les  Leopold leaves behind more than mere bricks
and mortar; he leaves behind a legacy to the students of Buffalo  Public
Schools  and  to the residents of the Buffalo community; now, therefore,
be it

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

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Les Leopold.