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RELEASE: NYSED announces death of Regent Beverly Ouderkirk of Ogdensburg. NYSUT, BOCES statements included.
NYSNYS News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 29, 2022
Media Contact:
JP O’Hare or Jeanne Beattie
(518) 474-1201
www.nysed.gov

STATEMENT FROM CHANCELLOR LESTER W. YOUNG, JR., THE BOARD OF REGENTS AND STATE EDUCATION COMMISSIONER BETTY A. ROSA ON THE PASSING OF REGENT BEVERLY L. OUDERKIRK

Regent Beverly Ouderkirk opened doors that were once closed to students countless times over in her more than 50 years in public education. The North Country educational community, and all of New York, benefitted from Regent Ouderkirk’s tenacity, drive, and passion for helping students and educators succeed.

As a Regent, Beverly (Bev) proudly represented the students, parents, educators, and communities within the 11 counties of the North Country. Regent Ouderkirk made it her mission to visit as many schools as possible. She put tens of thousands of miles on her own car, driving to meet educators and students personally, always greeting them with encouragement and hugs.
Regent Ouderkirk was more than a colleague. She was a thoughtful and trusted contributor to the work of educating New York’s children and a dear friend to her fellow Board members. She was dedicated to equity for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, housing status, sexual orientation, immigration status, first language, or disability status.
We are deeply saddened by her passing and will sorely miss her. Our heartfelt condolences go to her children and grandchildren and all who loved her.

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NYSUT mourns the passing of Regent Beverly Ouderkirk

ALBANY, N.Y. March 29, 2022 — New York State United Teachers Executive Vice President Jolene T. DiBrango released the following statement today mourning the death of Regent Beverly Ouderkirk:

“The entire NYSUT family mourns the passing of Regent Ouderkirk, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family and colleagues. Over decades of dedicated service, Regent Ouderkirk’s work in public education has impacted countless children and families in immeasurable ways. Her willingness to always listen to the needs of educators and her tireless support of our work on behalf of students and families will be sorely missed.”

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Beverly L. Ouderkirk

Beverly L. Ouderkirk who was appointed to the New York State Board of Regents on March 10, 2015 for a five-year term effective April 1, 2015, passed away on March 23.

She proudly represented the students, educators, parents, and communities within the eleven counties comprising the major geographic portion of the North Country. Regent Ouderkirk brought to her appointment over fifty years of experience in public education in New York State.

“We are so sorry to receive the news of Regent Beverly Ouderkirk’s passing. Her dedication to all the school districts she represented was inspiring. Before the pandemic, she traveled the state to regularly attend our Legislative Breakfast, Annual Dinner, visits with the Education Commissioner, and even SkillsUSA competitions in Syracuse. She always had time for us,” says WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent of Schools James Dexter.

Regent Ouderkirk’s primary focus was on the students. She always wanted to find out what they thought of the policies she was responsible for. A compassionate soul who leaves behind a long legacy of public service, Regent Beverly L. Ouderkirk will be missed by many.

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