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.
