Assembly Resolution No. 2181

BY: M. of A. Hawley

CONGRATULATING Dr. Clark J. Godshall, Senior
District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer
of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, upon the occasion of
his retirement after 53 years of distinguished
service

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents 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
congratulate Dr. Clark J. Godshall, Senior District Superintendent of
the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, upon the occasion of his retirement, after 53
years of distinguished service, on Sunday, June 30, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Clark J. Godshall, of Barker, New York, obtained a
bachelor's degree from St. John Fisher College, a master's and a
doctoral degree from the University of Rochester, and a certificate in
labor relations from the Cornell University Industrial Labor Relations
School; and

WHEREAS, A former high school science teacher, instructing biology,
chemistry, and earth science in the Hilton Central School District, Dr.
Clark J. Godshall started his career in administration as Assistant
Superintendent for the Penn Yan Central School District in Central New
York State; he has served as Adjunct Professor for the educational
administration program at State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport
and Clinical Professor of Doctoral Candidates at the University of
Rochester; and

WHEREAS, Of the 53 years as an educator, Dr. Clark J. Godshall has
served as a school administrator for 43 years; for the past 24 of those
years, he was responsible for the educational services for more than
30,000 students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, the 13th largest of 37
statewide; he has also acted as an interim District Superintendent for
five other BOCES programs; and

WHEREAS, Ascending to leadership positions, Dr. Clark J. Godshall
has been an active member of numerous professional associations at the
local, state, and international levels; and

WHEREAS, A six-time recipient of the American School and University
Management Effectiveness Award, Dr. Clark J. Godshall has claimed
several additional honors, including the New York State ASBO Outstanding
Service Award, Niagara University Administrator of the Year Award, and
the 2014 New York State School Superintendent of the Year Award; and

WHEREAS, As a role model for school leaders across the State and
Nation, Dr. Clark J. Godshall is the only school administrator to serve
as President of the New York State Council of School Superintendents
(NYSCOSS), the New York State Association of School Business Officials

(NYSASBO), and the International Association of School Business
Officials (IASBO); and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Dr. Clark J. Godshall's service to the
community, school districts, educators, and students of New York State,
in pursuit of higher levels of achievement and successful students, is
exemplified in his extensive leadership in education; he is a frequent
author and presenter on educational management and governance topics;
and

WHEREAS, In his personal life, Dr. Clark J. Godshall serves as
Commodore with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United
States Power Squadron for which he has been recognized for his
humanitarian efforts while holding various leadership positions; he
volunteers his time to support active duty military personnel across the
country; he is also a qualified sea captain and a third-generation
Kentucky Colonel; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Clark J. Godshall has numerous hobbies, including his
award-winning restoration of antique cars, collecting, and treasure
hunting; he is an avid advocate for the arts, including local theatrical
productions; and

WHEREAS, With Dr. Clark J. Godshall throughout has been his wife,
Dr. Barbara Godshall, who is proud to share in his countless
accomplishments and endeavors while serving his community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that, when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Rare, indeed, is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength and commitment as that demonstrated by Dr. Clark J.
Godshall over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Dr. Clark J. Godshall, Senior District Superintendent and
Chief Executive Officer of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, upon the occasion
of his retirement after 53 years of distinguished service, and to wish
him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Clark J. Godshall.