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| Morristown resident Beverly L. Ouderkirk was appointed to the New York State Board of Regents Today. Ouderkirk was nominated for the position by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, right. |
Morristown resident Beverly L. Ouderkirk was appointed to the New York State Board of Regents today after being voted on by members of the state Senate and Assembly.
Ouderkirk was nominated for the Fourth Judicial District, which stretches from St. Lawrence to Clinton County and down to Schenectady, by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.
"Beverly has worked in the classroom and administration for more than 50 years and brings with her a deep concern for our students, parents, and educators," Russell said. "I'm looking forward to having Beverly as an advocate on the Board of Regents on behalf of the North Country."
Ouderkirk has strong ties to the North Country having been born in the "Snow Belt" of Central New York and worked at several North Country schools.
After working as an elementary and special education teacher for roughly 17 years, Ouderkirk moved into administration, first as elementary principal, then as director of elementary education, special education chair, and deputy superintendent at Gouverneur Central School.
From there Ouderkirk served as superintendent at Morristown, Tioga, Valley, Clifton-Fine, Brushton-Moira, and St. Regis Falls Central Schools. She also served as district superintendent of the Genesee, Livingston, Steuben, and Wyoming BOCES.
"Beverly understands the importance of family involvement in a child's education," Russell said, "and she has worked tirelessly to help integrate families into the educational process."
Russell added that Ouderkirk's experience working in some of the state's poorest schools has given her valuable insights into how poverty affects a child's ability to learn.
"Beverly has seen first hand the difficulties facing many of our schools," Russell said. "She has proven herself an effective educator in North Country schools which often face some of the most challenging fiscal and social pressures in the state."
Ouderkirk said, "I am looking forward to this opportunity to serve on behalf of the children and educators from the North Country and across the state."