LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Claity P. Massey upon the occasion
of her retirement after many distinguished years as an educator

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, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and the
success of King Center Charter School is due in large part to the
efforts of Dr. Claity P. Massey; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Claity P.
Massey upon the occasion of her retirement after many distinguished
years as an educator; and
WHEREAS, King Center Charter School Founding Director, Dr. Claity P.
Massey had a day of dedication in her honor; students and staff members
all wore shirts bearing a picture of her face, and the Mayor of Buffalo,
Byron Brown, paid her a visit in recognition of her retirement; and
WHEREAS, Known for her gentle, loving approach and tireless dedication
to the students, Dr. Claity P. Massey always placed the education of
children as her paramount concern; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Claity P. Massey is a Tennessee native who worked for 24
years as a Professor of Education at Houghton College; she left Houghton
in the late 1990s to work with children at the King Urban Life Center on
Buffalo's East Side; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, she became the Founding Director of King Center
Charter School, Buffalo's first Charter School; and
WHEREAS, King Center Charter School has now expanded from an original
80 students K-3rd grade to 260 students K-6th grade, with plans to
further expand to the 8th grade in the next couple years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Claity P. Massey managed to turn around the school after
low test scores almost closed the school; changes included a longer
school day and a six-week summer program; and
WHEREAS, Under her leadership, King Center Charter School has many
distinguishable features including all classrooms are required to have
two certified teachers, one full-time staff, and one teacher from Ameri-
Corps who has worked for two years; today, the School has been deemed
one of the best in New York State, with above average test scores now on
a regular basis; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Claity P. Massey has continually demonstrated an impres-
sive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm
for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at
King Center Charter School for the benefit of its faculty and students,
as well as for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, In retirement, Dr. Claity P. Massey plans on traveling to see
her two daughters in New Mexico and North Carolina, as well as devoting
more time to her volunteer interests; and
WHEREAS, In completing her service, Dr. Claity P. Massey leaves behind
more than mere bricks and mortar; she leaves behind a legacy to the
residents of Buffalo and to future generations of its students; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Claity P. Massey upon the occasion of her retirement, and
for her significant contributions to education in New York State; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Claity P. Massey.