Honor Retiring School Superintendent

Senate Resolution No. 1343 BY: Senator MARCELLINO HONORING Dr. Edward K. Melnick upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service as Superintendent of the North Shore Central School District 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, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and the success of the North Shore Central School District is due in large part to the efforts of Dr. Edward K. Melnick; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Edward K. Melnick upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service as Superintendent of the North Shore Central School District; he will officially retire from this esteemed position on June 30, 2017; and WHEREAS, A true advocate for children throughout his entire 40-year career as an educator, Dr. Edward K. Melnick has spent the last three decades serving the North Shore Central School District; and WHEREAS, Dr. Edward K. Melnick began his illustrious career with the North Shore Central School District as the Director of Fine and Performing Arts; in this capacity, he was instrumental in turning a fledgling arts program into the prosperous and vital department it is today; and WHEREAS, Following his tenure as Director of Fine and Performing Arts, Dr. Edward K. Melnick became the principal of one of the district's three elementary schools; during this time he served as a fierce advocate for those who were classified as severely learning disabled; and WHEREAS, As Superintendent of the North Shore Central School District for the past 14 years, Dr. Edward K. Melnick has worked tirelessly with Boards of Education and several district employees to accomplish its goals; subsequently the district remains among the most coveted by families on Long Island; and WHEREAS, Dr. Edward K. Melnick also established North Shore Central School District's first foundation which was created to raise funds to promote and enhance the district's educational programs; and WHEREAS, Academically, Dr. Edward K. Melnick has brought the North Shore Central School District to its apex as one of the best educational institutions on Long Island; he is a true visionary who is always thinking about how best to prepare his students for success in an ever-changing world; and WHEREAS, To this end, Dr. Edward K. Melnick instituted a 1:1 technology initiative for students grades 5-12, making North Shore one of the first districts on Long Island to ensure technology plays a prominent role in the daily academic lives of its students; he also led the transformation of the district's K-12 World Language program; and WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Edward K. Melnick has steadfastly supported the construction of a Victorian House built by students, teachers and local tradesmen as a part of the Long Island Studies program, an interdisciplinary course in local history, English, and technology; the facility will serve as a future television and recording studio; and WHEREAS, Under the stewardship of Dr. Edward K. Melnick, North Shore Central School District has been recognized as an International Baccalaureate School, a Blue Ribbon School, a New York State and National Model School to Watch, and a New York State Gap Closing School; and WHEREAS, The North Shore community is indeed fortunate and blessed to have had such a dedicated and respected educational leader; his wisdom and contributions reached into every classroom, truly making a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to have worked with him; and WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State, Dr. Edward K. Melnick 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 North Shore Central School District for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the entire community; and WHEREAS, In completing his service as Superintendent, Dr. Edward K. Melnick leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves behind a legacy to the students of the North Shore Central School District and to the residents of the community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Dr. Edward K. Melnick upon the occasion of his retirement, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Edward K. Melnick.