Proclamations in Honor of Dr. McGill

In honor of the retirement of Scarsdale School Superitendent Dr. Michael McGill many proclamations were written and displayed at his farewell dinner on Thursday June 12th. Here are two of the proclamations: one from the Village of Scarsdale and the other from State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin:

Proclamation for Dr. Michael McGill from the Office of Amy Paulin:

Whereas, it is the practice of the New York State Assembly to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals whose exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives of service to their community and their profession have significantly enhanced the quality of education in the state of New York; and

Whereas, this Assembled Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Michael V. McGill who is retiring as superintendent of the Scarsdale Union Free District School District after sixteen years of exemplary service; and

Whereas, Dr. Michael V. McGill has been superintendent of the Scarsdale Public Schools since 1998. A graduate of Williams College and Harvard University, where he earned his doctorate, he was New York State Superintendent of the Year in 2007. Under Dr. McGill's leadership, Scarsdale continued a long tradition of educational excellence and innovation; and

Whereas, Dr. Michael V. McGill is a visionary on the cutting edge of educational policy with a focus on critical and creative thinking, collaborative work, and a global perspective for students. During his tenure, the Center for Innovation (CFI) was founded whose mission is to ensure that Scarsdale graduates think critically and creatively in order to solve complex, non-standard problems, understand their role in an interdependent world, and use evolving technologies for research, communication, and innovation. The Center for Innovation is focused on reimagining education for all students; and
Whereas, Dr. Michael V. McGill was in the forefront of questioning the state and federal government's reliance on testing. He remains steadfast in his belief that standardized tests offer a limited view of learning and that all schools should remain committed to providing students with a deep, rich education. Dr. McGill led the movement in Scarsdale to replace the Advanced Placement classes with district-created Advanced Topics where students delve deeper into the subject; and

Whereas, Dr. Michael V. McGill has had many other accomplishments including expanding the facility to address the growing student population, a renewed focus on curriculum, instruction and teaching, and, spearheading the introduction of foreign language at the elementary school level. Dr. McGill's legacy of truly caring about what students are learning sets a standard that will prevail for many years to come; and

Whereas, Dr. Michael V. McGill has written extensively on every aspect of education and has shared with enthusiasm his knowledge of teaching and learning through numerous presentations and by participating in workshops and on councils and committees; and

Whereas, the merit of any society can and will be measured by the actions of those individuals and organizations who, by way of unparalleled exhibitions of diligence and conviction, inspire those fortunate to bear witness; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, as a duly elected member of the New York State Assembly, I congratulate

Dr. Michael V. McGill on the occasion of his retirement from the Scarsdale Union Free School District.

Dated: June 12, 2014 Amy R. Paulin
New York State Assembly
88th Assembly District

Proclamation from the Village of Scarsdale