Skip to content
J745Senate2019-2020 SessionResolution

Honor Sylvia Matousek's Legacy

Official title

“Mourning the death of Sylvia Matousek, gifted teacher, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her Central New York community”

Sponsor Rachel MaySD-53
Status
Adopted
Impact
1/10
Minimal
Outcome
Adopted

What's happening

This resolution honors and mourns the passing of Sylvia Matousek, a dedicated teacher and community leader in Central New York.

Why it matters

  1. Highlights the impact of lifelong teachers. By specifically honoring Sylvia Matousek’s 46-year career, the resolution underscores the value of educators who dedicate their lives to generations of students, shaping not only academic outcomes but also the broader character of a community.

  2. Recognizes leadership in labor rights. The resolution calls attention to Matousek’s long tenure as a union president, her advocacy for better wages and teacher input, and her role in a consequential labor strike, highlighting the ongoing struggle for fairness and equity in education.

  3. Celebrates civic engagement beyond the classroom. By noting Matousek’s continued volunteerism and community involvement after retirement, the resolution illustrates how public service and engaged citizenship can extend well beyond one’s formal career, serving as a model for others.

  4. Affirms the lasting influence of committed individuals. The resolution places value on the personal legacy left by individuals like Matousek, whose actions have ripple effects—improving lives, strengthening institutions, and inspiring future generations to pursue justice and service.

The daily · weekday mornings

Albany, before your first meeting.

Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.

Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.

Headline styles

Honor Sylvia Matousek's Legacy

Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Rachel May

Senator · Senate District 53

Chair, Aging

No co-sponsors yet.

History

  1. Adopted
  2. Reported to calendar for consideration
  3. Referred to finance

Full text

1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗

Senate Resolution No. 745 BY: Senator MAY MOURNING the death of Sylvia Matousek, gifted teacher, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her Central New York community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Matousek taught generations of students over her

46-year career as an elementary school teacher in the North Syracuse Central School District; and WHEREAS, In her dual capacity as president of her teachers' union for 37 years, Sylvia Matousek led the struggle for higher wages and equity, and for giving… Show all

46-year career as an elementary school teacher in the North Syracuse Central School District; and WHEREAS, In her dual capacity as president of her teachers' union for 37 years, Sylvia Matousek led the struggle for higher wages and equity, and for giving teachers meaningful input into educational decisions and instructional content; and WHEREAS, In a fight to preserve teachers' contractual rights, Sylvia Matousek led a strike that landed her and fellow union leaders in the Jamesville Penitentiary, from which she emerged undeterred; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Matousek continued her work on behalf of Central New Yorkers into retirement, volunteering with cat rescues, and in countless other ways serving as a model of engaged citizenship for the remainder of her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its deepest condolences to the family of Sylvia Matousek and profound gratitude for her lasting impact on her field, on fellow teachers, and on the generations of children and citizens better off today because of her tireless commitment to justice and fairness for all; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Sylvia Matousek, distinguished citizen, beloved teacher, and devoted member of her community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Sylvia Matousek.

Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.