Senate Resolution No. 1192

BY: Senator O'MARA

CONGRATULATING Superintendent Stephen Parker
Zielinski upon the occasion of his retirement after
more than three decades of devoted service to the
South Seneca Central School District and to public
education in New York State

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those educators within our midst who have devoted their careers
to the service of others, nurturing the growth and development of
countless young people in this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Superintendent Stephen Parker Zielinski upon the occasion
of his retirement after more than three decades of devoted service to
the South Seneca Central School District and to public education in New
York State; and

WHEREAS, Superintendent Stephen Parker Zielinski officially retired
on March 7, 2025, after more than 31 years of outstanding service to the
South Seneca Central School District, culminating in over a decade as
its Superintendent of Schools; and

WHEREAS, A proud graduate of Cornell University, Stephen Parker
Zielinski began his career in education with South Seneca as a
substitute teacher, later joining the Middle School Team as a science
teacher from 1995 to 2002, and then as a math teacher from 2002 to 2009,
all while earning his master's degree from the State University of New
York at Cortland; and

WHEREAS, Known for his collegial spirit and deep commitment to
student development, Stephen Parker Zielinski also shared his lifelong
love of sports with students as coach of the Junior Varsity and Varsity
Baseball teams and as the Bowling team coach, bringing insights from his
own experience as an Ivy League athlete; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, Stephen Parker Zielinski transitioned to school
leadership, serving as Middle School Principal until 2012, where he
provided strong guidance to students and faculty and helped shape a
culture of academic and personal growth; and

WHEREAS, As a respected educational leader beyond his district,
Stephen Parker Zielinski served with distinction in the New York State
Middle School Association in numerous roles including Middle School
Liaison, Regional Director, Annual State Conference Co-Chair, Vice
President, and ultimately President, where he was widely recognized for
championing middle-level education and advancing the State Education
Department's Essential Elements for Standards-Focused Middle Level
Schools and Programs; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Stephen Parker Zielinski was appointed Principal
of both the Middle and High Schools, further broadening his influence
and impact within the district, and later played a leading role in the

merger study with the Romulus Central School District-demonstrating his
readiness for district-level leadership; and

WHEREAS, Upon the retirement of his predecessor in 2013, Stephen
Parker Zielinski was unanimously selected by the South Seneca Board of
Education to serve as Superintendent of Schools, a role in which he
distinguished himself for over a decade; and

WHEREAS, Under his leadership, the South Seneca Central School
District saw the successful completion of two Capital Projects,
including the construction of a new, state-of-the-art athletic stadium
and a modern transportation facility; and

WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, Superintendent Stephen Parker
Zielinski provided steady, compassionate leadership as he guided the
district through unprecedented challenges, developing new instructional
models and ensuring the continued education and well-being of South
Seneca's students; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Stephen Parker Zielinski has
exemplified fairness, open-mindedness, and a collaborative leadership
style; he has been a tireless advocate for South Seneca at the local,
regional, and state levels, always placing students at the center of
every decision; and

WHEREAS, After over three decades of dedicated service,
Superintendent Stephen Parker Zielinski now looks forward to
retirement-pursuing lifelong passions such as supporting the Buffalo
Bills and the Chicago White Sox, and fulfilling a dream of visiting
every Major League Baseball stadium; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, the new
transportation facility currently under construction will be named the
Stephen Parker Zielinski Transportation Facility, ensuring his legacy
will live on for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, Superintendent Stephen Parker Zielinski's enduring legacy
is reflected in the lives of the countless students, educators, and
community members he has inspired through his wisdom, humility, and
unwavering commitment to excellence in education; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend and congratulate Superintendent Stephen Parker Zielinski upon
the occasion of his well-deserved retirement, to honor his decades of
distinguished service to the students, faculty, and families of the
South Seneca Central School District, and to extend to him best wishes
for continued health and happiness in all his future endeavors; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Superintendent Stephen Parker Zielinski.