Senate Resolution No. 1162

BY: Senator MAY

COMMEMORATING the 175th Anniversary of the
Syracuse City School District to be celebrated on
May 8, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of this noble Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the Syracuse City School District
on Monday, May 8, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The Syracuse City School District, after 175 years of
service to its community, continues to create an educational environment
which ensures opportunities for learning, personal growth and social
responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Established on May 8, 1848, the Syracuse City School
District operates six high schools, four adult education programs, 12
middle and pre-K-8 schools, and 13 elementary schools, serving more than
19,000 students; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Syracuse City School District has
been committed to a quality education for its students; the district
offers English as a New Language programs in 26 schools, world language
classes at 18 schools including Arabic, French, Spanish, and American
Sign Language, more than 100 athletic team options that involved
approximately 4,000 students each year, and strong programming in the
visual and performing arts; and

WHEREAS, The Syracuse City School District holds partnerships with
Everson Museum of Art, the Community Folk Art Center, Onondaga Community
College, the Open Hand Theater, Redhouse Arts Center, Syracuse Stage,
and Syracuse University to provide unique opportunities to students; the
district's innovative partnership with Say Yes Syracuse offers
scholarships to eligible graduates of Syracuse City School District and
Syracuse charter schools to receive full-tuition scholarships to a range
of nearly 100 public and private college and university partners,
including leading local colleges like Syracuse University, SUNY ESF, and
Le Moyne College; and

WHEREAS, Continuing to evolve to fit the needs of students, the
Syracuse City School District offers new programming such as a
Montessori-style program at LeMoyne Elementary, an Expeditionary
Learning Middle School, the Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler,
and, most recently, setting up the region's first STEAM school at
Syracuse's historic Central Tech, which will draw students from the
district and the surrounding area to receive innovative educational
opportunities in the STEM disciplines and the visual and performing
arts; and


WHEREAS, The Syracuse City School District has educated alumni
serving in the arts, sciences, and government, including: Jeanette J.
Epps, Jeff Altman, Jackiem Joyner, Mark Levinson, Joanie Mahoney; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the Syracuse City School District has educated
a number of accomplished athletes, including: Doug Swift, Keith Moody,
Jerry Brooks, Tori DeSilvia, Dorsey Levens, and many more; and

WHEREAS, The steadfast and unyielding commitment of parents,
educators and administrators to provide the highest quality education
for students has become the hallmark and tradition of the Syracuse City
School District; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Syracuse City School District stands prepared to
reach out, in earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission, to promote
the maximum growth of every student, establishing standards and building
skills which will carry its students and the citizens of its community
into the future; and

WHEREAS, The Syracuse City School District is 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, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the Syracuse City School District
to be celebrated on May 8, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Syracuse City School District.