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