Honor Educator's Retirement Service

Assembly Resolution No. 1128 BY: M. of A. Cahill COMMENDING Rosario Agostaro upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 30 years as an educator WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educational professionals and the students they inspire; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instrumental in developing character and academic excellence in the young people of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Rosario Agostaro upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 30 years as an educator; and WHEREAS, Rosario Agostaro earned his associate of arts degree in physical science from Union College in New Jersey, and his bachelor of arts degree in geology from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, Rosario Agostaro furthered his education by obtaining his master of arts degree in geology, teacher certification (science 7-12) and his Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY New Paltz; and WHEREAS, In 1987, Rosario Agostaro began his long and distinguished career in education as an earth science/physical science teacher with Washingtonville Central School District, a position he held for 13 years; and WHEREAS, From 2007-2009, Rosario Agostaro served as the assistant superintendent of Secondary C & I, Newburgh Enlarged City School District; in this capacity, he was a successful program and grant developer, implementing Co-PI, 1 three-year NSF-funded program; and WHEREAS, In 2009, Rosario Agostaro assumed the title of superintendent of the Rondout Valley Central School District, the position from which he will officially retire; and WHEREAS, Under his luminous leadership, the district's graduation rate increased from 72% to 95%; he established a partnership between the district and the Ulster County Historical Society to bring museum exhibits to the high school; and WHEREAS, This exceptional educator also served as an adjunct instructor at SUNY Ulster; in this capacity, he was instrumental in developing the SUNY Ulster President's Challenge Scholarship and the History Department and Constitutional Studies Lecture Series; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to providing quality education to each and every child, Rosario Agostaro is a member of the Mohonk Preserve Educational Committee, and the local education foundation to assist with raising funds for the school district; he has also worked with various farming organizations to promote agriculture education; and WHEREAS, Rosario Agostaro serves on the Mid-Hudson School Study Council, Mid-Hudson Athletic Council and Section IX Athletic Council Executive Committee; the NYSPHSAA Central Committee, the New York State Council of School Superintendents Legislative Committee, the Mohonk Preserve Education Committee, and held the title of chairman of the Science Teachers Association of New York State Southeastern Section from

1992-1994; and WHEREAS, Rosario Agostaro also developed ESDIL through NYLearns Educational Portal, and a grant initiative funded by the New World Foundation to establish an agriculture and food science Kindergarten through 12th grade program; and WHEREAS, In addition, Rosario Agostaro served as a consultant to several organizations including the New York State Education Department, ETS in Princeton, New Jersey, and Holt/Rhinehart/Winston; and WHEREAS, Throughout his long and distinguished career, Rosario Agostaro published many publications and gave various professional presentations; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his profession, Rosario Agostaro was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the 1995 Outstanding Science Teacher Award and the

2014 Signs of Sustainability Award; in 2004, he was named Administrator of the Year, and served as a mentor to the Westinghouse Science Talent Search New York State Winner; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 26 years, Gayle, and their two children, Vincenzo and Gabriella, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rosario Agostaro will be sorely missed by the students, teachers and staff members; he treated each and every single person with respect, while continuing to raise the bar on academics; and WHEREAS, The driving force behind Rosario Agostaro's commitment to public education is his firm belief that all children have the potential to do great things if given the opportunity; he prides himself on creating an educational environment where students come first and expectations are high; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Rosario Agostaro upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 30 years of service as an educator, 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 Rosario Agostaro.