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 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.