Honor Dr. Schartner’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 1139 BY: Senator CROCI COMMEMORATING Dr. Walter Schartner upon the occasion of his retirement after 44 distinguished years as an educator to the Sayville School District on June 30, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate Dr. Walter Schartner upon the occasion of his retirement after 44 distinguished years as an educator, coach, and friend on Friday, June 30, 2017; and WHEREAS, Dr. Walter Schartner began his distinguished teaching career in September of 1973, as a Science teacher at Plainedge Public Schools; after five years, he went on to join the Sayville Public Schools where he taught General Science and Chemistry at the secondary level, sat on educational committees to improve practices and coached in the athletic program; and WHEREAS, After 10 years, Dr. Walter Schartner ventured into the administrative level, first as the Assistant Principal at Sayville High School for three years, then as the Assistant Principal at Sayville Middle School; and WHEREAS, In 1994, Dr. Walter Schartner advanced to Principal at Sayville Middle School, a position he held for 16 years; in this role, he served as a dynamic administrator, studied and earned his Doctorate in Education, as well as developed various programs and incentives that explored and implemented best practices; and WHEREAS, After his tenure at Sayville Middle School, Dr. Walter Schartner rose to the esteemed position of Superintendent of Sayville Public Schools; in this capacity, he served as both Treasurer and President of the Islip Chief School Administrators Association, Treasurer and Vice President of the Board of Directors for SCOPE Education Services as well as a member of the Board of Directors of Reform Educational Financing Inequities Today (REFIT), an active member of the New York State Council of Superintendents and a member of the executive board and co-chair of the Suffolk County Schools Superintendents Association Legislative Committee; and WHEREAS, Throughout his career as an educator, Dr. Walter Schartner received many awards and accolades for his work including, Honorary Lifetime Member Award by the Sayville Middle/High School PTA and New York State Principal-of-the-Year Award by New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education (NYSCATE) for his outstanding leadership; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, the accolades Dr. Walter Schartner is most proud of are the achievements earned by the entire Sayville Middle School community, including the New York State Essential Elements: Schools to Watch in 2005 and 2009 and the National Middle School of Excellence; and WHEREAS, Additionally, Dr. Walter Schartner has been the recipient of the 2010 Bill Zeller Tournament-Spike Daly Man-of-the-Year Award, the

2011 Long Island Maritime Museum Polaris Award for Excellence in Education in 2011, and received recognition in The Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce in 2012; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Dr. Walter Schartner is a member of Sayville Rotary, and formed the Sayville-West Sayville Business Advisory committee; he has also involved many Sayville student volunteers in the Chamber of Commerce events; and WHEREAS, Upon his retirement, Dr. Walter Schartner is looking forward to spending time with his wife, Susan, children and five grandchildren, as well as on the golf course; and WHEREAS, Dr. Walter Schartner has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at the Sayville School District for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the entire community; and WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and the success of the Sayville School District is due in large part to the efforts of Dr. Walter Schartner; and WHEREAS, In completing his service as a superintendent, Dr. Walter Schartner leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves behind a legacy to the residents of the Sayville community and to future generations of its students; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Dr. Walter Schartner upon the occasion of his retirement, and for his significant contributions to education in New York State; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Walter Schartner.