What's happening
This resolution congratulates Superintendent Al Harper on his retirement, honoring his 25 years of distinguished service as an educator.
Why it matters
Highlights measurable academic improvements. Under Al Harper’s leadership, student proficiency in English Language Arts and mathematics saw dramatic increases—up to 87% and 95% respectively—demonstrating his direct impact on educational outcomes in the district.
Recognizes innovative program expansion. Harper spearheaded initiatives such as expanding enrichment and Model United Nations programs to younger students, showing a commitment to broad, inclusive access to advanced learning opportunities.
Emphasizes community and family engagement. The resolution notes Harper’s focus on involving parents, particularly through founding the Elmont Dads Club and organizing service projects, reflecting the importance of community ties in educational success.
Underscores leadership beyond the classroom. By building partnerships with local organizations and prioritizing character development, Harper’s influence extended into the wider community, setting a standard for holistic educational leadership.
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Headline styles
Honor Al Harper's Retirement
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 7
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Adopted
- Reported to calendar for consideration
- Referred to finance
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
Senate Resolution No. 2642 BY: Senator KAPLAN CONGRATULATING Superintendent Al Harper upon the occasion of his retirement after 25 years of distinguished service as an educator WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly… Show allHide
Senate Resolution No. 2642 BY: Senator KAPLAN CONGRATULATING Superintendent Al Harper upon the occasion of his retirement after 25 years of distinguished service as an educator 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 Elmont School District is due in large part to the efforts of Al Harper; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Superintendent Al Harper upon the occasion of his retirement after 25 years of distinguished service as an educator; and WHEREAS, For more than two decades, Al Harper has been a true fixture in Elmont, New York, serving as an Assistant Principal and Principal at Elmont Memorial High School before becoming the Elmont School District Superintendent in 2005; he will officially retire from this esteemed position at the end of the 2019-20 school year; and WHEREAS, Raised in Queens, New York, Al Harper received a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Howard University in 1981; he went on to earn a Master's degree in Special Education from Adelphi University in
1993, and a professional certification in Administrative Supervision from the City University of New York Graduate Center in 1994; and WHEREAS, Al Harper began his illustrious career in education as a middle school and special education teacher in New York… Show allHide
1993, and a professional certification in Administrative Supervision from the City University of New York Graduate Center in 1994; and WHEREAS, Al Harper began his illustrious career in education as a middle school and special education teacher in New York City; he eventually became both a grade and special education Dean in the district, and worked to train new teachers, coordinate multicultural programs and establish procedures for expanding the collection of student data; and WHEREAS, In addition, he helped implement Project Reach, a program which empowers teenagers to strategize ways to address discrimination and injustice; and WHEREAS, In 1995, Al Harper joined the Sewanhaka Central High School District as an Assistant Principal at Elmont Memorial High School, where he served on the Sewanhaka District Safety Committee, organized the school's discipline plans, coordinated in-school suspension and supervised the Saturday Detention program; and WHEREAS, Al Harper was named Principal of Elmont Memorial High in
2002, during which time he was responsible for the management and instruction of nearly 2,000 students; under his able leadership, the school received several accolades including recognition by the College Board in 2004; and WHEREAS, Continuing a trend toward… Show allHide
2002, during which time he was responsible for the management and instruction of nearly 2,000 students; under his able leadership, the school received several accolades including recognition by the College Board in 2004; and WHEREAS, Continuing a trend toward excellence, Al Harper became the Elmont District Superintendent in 2005, building on his experiences at the middle and high school levels; he expanded enrichment programs to all students in grades three through six and, seeing how successful the high school's Model United Nations Club was, implemented a similar program for the elementary school students; and WHEREAS, During Al Harper's extraordinary tenure as Superintendent,
percent of his students were listed as proficient on the English
Language Arts exam, up from 50 percent in the 1998-99 school year, and
approximately 95 percent of students were proficient in mathematics, up
from 70 percent; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Al Harper spearheaded the Elmont Dads Club, which engages
fathers and their children in community service activities, and started
a Thanksgiving Food Drive; he also forged strong relationships with
officials at Gateway Youth Outreach, Belmont Park and the local fire
department; and
WHEREAS, A caring, competent and committed leader, Al Harper's
character and integrity are the hallmarks of his life and work as an
educator, a community volunteer and as a person; and
WHEREAS, The Elmont 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,
Al Harper 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 Elmont 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, Al Harper
leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves behind a
legacy to the students of Elmont School District and to the residents of
the Elmont community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Superintendent Al Harper 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 Superintendent Al Harper.
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