The New York's 4201 Schools Association, the advocates for 11 schools dedicated to meeting the needs of approximately 1,500 deaf, blind and severely physically challenged children, today announced that it has elected Timothy M. Kelly, the Superintendent of St. Mary's School for the Deaf, located in Buffalo, to serve as its chairman.
During the 2011-2012 school year, children appointed to Saint Mary's School for the Deaf are from families residing in various Chautauqua County school districts, such as the Dunkirk, Jamestown, Fredonia and Brocton schools.
"Each day, I walk through the doors of St. Mary's School for the Deaf saying, What can we do to help these children and their families today," said Kelly. "As chairman of the Association, it is my goal to continue building upon the tremendous effort and leadership of Harold Mowl Jr., and with the help of my colleagues and their teams in New York City; Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties, ensure that the educational rights and needs of disabled children are met."
"Tim Kelly is known throughout Western New York as someone who is a fierce and committed advocate for the children and communities he serves," said state Sen. Mark Grisanti (Erie and Niagara counties). "Tim grew up in South Buffalo, a close-knit, working-class community that is defined by steadfast commitment to your neighbors."
Kelly succeeds Harold Mowl Jr., Ph.D. Superintendent of the Rochester School for the Deaf. Mowl successfully led the Association for more than 10 years.
"Harold Mowl Jr. is a nationally recognized leader and expert in the field of special education and the rights of the disabled," said Assemblyman Joseph Morelle (Monroe County). "His aggressive actions and compelling arguments were key to securing the bi-partisan support of legislative leaders and Gov. Cuomo during a particularly difficult budget negotiation last year."
Kelly is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University, and has earned master's degrees from Canisius College and Salem (MA) State College. He has been engaged in the field of special and deaf education for 30 years, starting as a residential counselor at St. Mary's in 1982. He held posts as a class room teacher at the New York School for the Deaf in White Plains and with the Methuen Public Schools, located in northeastern Massachusetts.
The Association also announced that Bernadette Kappen, Ph.D., Executive Director of the New York Institute for Special Education, located in Bronx, will serve as the group's vice chairwoman. Dr. Kappen has served as Executive Director since 2008. Prior to her engagement with NYISE, she led the Overbrook School for the Blind located in Philadelphia.
Both the chair and vice chair of the Association serve two-year terms.
Students attending the state-supported schools for the blind, deaf and severely physically disabled are appointed upon the recommendation of the State Education Commissioner following careful evaluation of each student's educational needs and the development of a program to meet them.
