THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

 

TO:

The Honorable the Members of the Board of Regents

FROM:

Richard P. Mills

COMMITTEE:

Full Board

TITLE OF ITEM:

Appointment

DATE OF SUBMISSION:

February 19, 2004

PROPOSED HANDLING:

Approval

RATIONALE FOR ITEM:

To Fill Critical Vacancy

STRATEGIC GOAL:

1, 3 and 4


 SUMMARY:

 

I recommend that Rebecca (Becky) H. Cort be appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID).

 

Becky joined the State Education Department in 1980 as a New York City regional coordinator for special education.  Since then she has steadily assumed more responsibility and in 1997 was promoted to the position of Coordinator of Statewide Special Education Quality Assurance.  In this capacity she was responsible for the implementation of federal and State special education requirements by public and approved private schools, BOCES and other programs serving students with disabilities.  She subsequently assumed additional responsibility for oversight of support for district and regional activities and for technical assistance networks and linkages to higher education and the Office of Teaching Initiatives.  In November 2003, Becky was appointed Interim Deputy Commissioner for VESID charged with administering special education, vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs in New York State and for providing administrative oversight for the two State Schools.

 

Becky has extensive experience in the various areas of special education including classroom instruction, working as a liaison to community schools, managing services and developing policy.  She has a thorough knowledge of State and federal special education systems, and I am impressed with the depth of knowledge she has gained in vocational rehabilitation since being appointed Interim Deputy Commissioner.  Becky is a strong manager and problem solver, embraces change and has a great passion for her work.  Since being appointed as Interim Deputy Commissioner she has quickly become an important and active member of my leadership team.  I am confident that her knowledge, skills and attributes will serve her well in the position of Deputy Commissioner.

 

Accordingly, I recommend that you take the following action:

 

VOTED, that the Board of Regents approves the appointment of Rebecca H. Cort as Deputy Commissioner, effective February 23, 2004.