LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Gary D. Bixhorn upon the occasion of his
retirement after 35 years of dedicated service in education

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Gary
D. Bixhorn upon the occasion of his retirement after 35 years of dedi-
cated service in education; and
WHEREAS, Gary D. Bixhorn is the Chief Operating Officer of the Eastern
Suffolk BOCES, the state's largest educational service agency; the BOCES
provides shared support and educational services to over 70 school
districts on Long Island, as well as special education and career educa-
tion to over 4,000 school age students and over 6,000 adult students on
a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, Since 1992, Gary D. Bixhorn has served in numerous adminis-
trative positions within the BOCES, including District
Superintendent/Executive Officer; and
WHEREAS, As an Eastern Suffolk BOCES Executive, Gary D. Bixhorn has
cultivated a culture that features stakeholder involvement, strategic
planning, and a strong control environment; his strategic planning has
enabled Eastern Suffolk BOCES to become the first educational service
agency to be accredited by the Middle States Association; and
WHEREAS, Gary D. Bixhorn is frequently called upon at the regional and
state level, to share his expertise in school finance, legislative
affairs, and regional services; with 35 years of expertise as an educa-
tional administrator in Suffolk County, he is a valuable resource to
local school districts, educational organizations, elected officials,
and business leaders; and
WHEREAS, Widely credited for playing a key role in strengthening the
link between Long Island's educational and business communities, Gary D.
Bixhorn has been a strong leader in building coalitions to advocate for
Long Island schools; he is the author of articles and position papers
addressing current issues including, regional demographics and func-
tional consolidation of school services; and
WHEREAS, Gary D. Bixhorn co-authored the 1996 report, LONG ISLAND
EDUCATION: COST AND OUTCOMES, that was prepared in conjunction with the
Long Island Association, and refocused the discussion of education on
Long Island; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Gary D. Bixhorn coordinated the development of the
School Property Tax Reform Act proposal on behalf of the Suffolk County
School Superintendents Association (SCSSA), and the Long Island Educa-
tion Coalition (LIEC); and
WHEREAS, In addition, he coordinated the development of the SCSSA's
Task Force Report entitled, TASK FORCE ON REGIONAL STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE
SCHOOL EFFICIENCY AND COST EFFECTIVENESS; the report became the basis of
discussions between the SCSSA and the Suffolk County Executive's Office,
leading to a new collaboration between the schools and county govern-
ment; and
WHEREAS, Gary D. Bixhorn is a past president and currently serves as
the Legislative Chairperson of the SCSSA, as well as Chairperson of the

Federal Legislation Committee of the New York State Council of School
Superintendents (NYSCOSS); and
WHEREAS, Educators like Gary D. Bixhorn provide a tremendous service
to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young
people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, Gary D. Bixhorn has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of Eastern Suffolk BOCES, as well as on the community-at-large,
and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedi-
cation to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Gary D. Bixhorn upon the occasion of his retirement after 35 years
of dedicated service in education, and for his significant contributions
to education in New York State; and to wish him continued success in all
of his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gary D. Bixhorn.