LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Richard S. Marsh upon the occasion
of his retirement after many years of distinguished service as an educa-
tor

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 Bethpage public schools are due in large part to the
efforts of the retiring Superintendent of the Bethpage Union Free School
District, Dr. Richard S. Marsh; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Richard S. Marsh upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of
distinguished service as an educator; this auspicious occasion will be
celebrated on Tuesday, May 26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, In nearly 40 years in public education, Dr. Richard S. Marsh
has provided dynamic educational leadership at all academic levels,
grades K through 12, as well as teaching graduate studies at various
universities; he has been a middle-school teacher, high school depart-
ment chairman, elementary school principal, and district-wide director
of curriculum and instructional support services; and
WHEREAS, Credited by many in the Bethpage community with taking a good
school district and transforming it into a great one, Dr. Richard S.
Marsh served as the district's Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
for almost six years before being appointed Superintendent of Schools in
2004; and
WHEREAS, During the tenure of Dr. Richard S. Marsh as Superintendent
of Schools, the Bethpage Union Free School District earned national
recognition for its exemplary academic, athletic, arts and technological
programs; in 2008, 98 percent of Bethpage students received Regents'
Diplomas in comparison to only 59 percent in 1999 when he first joined
the district; in addition, under his leadership there was a 99.5 percent
graduation rate in the district in 2008; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Richard S. Marsh is a member of the Executive Board of
the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents; he advocates the
importance of building partnerships that benefit students and the school
community; and
WHEREAS, A renowned expert in the area of student "detracking," Dr.
Richard S. Marsh has published research on this topic in PHI DELTA
KAPPAN, the professional journal for education, as well as in other
professional journals and textbooks, and served as a consultant to
school districts throughout New York State seeking to eliminate student
tracking; he has presented this topic nationally for the Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Richard S. Marsh is the author of READING AND UNDERSTAND-
ING TECHNICAL INFORMATION; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of New York University where he received both his
bachelor's and master's degrees, Dr. Richard S. Marsh is also the recip-
ient of professional diplomas from St. John's University and Hofstra
University; he also earned his doctorate degree from Hofstra University;
in addition, he is an adjunct professor at Hofstra and Adelphi Universi-
ties and at Long Island University's C.W. Post campus; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Richard S. Marsh has continually demonstrated an impres-
sive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm
for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered in

the Bethpage Union Free School District for the benefit of its faculty
and students, as well as for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, In completing many years of service as an educator, Dr. Rich-
ard S. Marsh leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves
behind a legacy to the Bethpage Union Free School District, to the resi-
dents of the Bethpage community and to future generations of its
students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend and honor Dr. Richard S. Marsh upon the occasion of his retire-
ment after many years of distinguished service as an educator, 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 tran-
smitted to Dr. Richard S. Marsh.