LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Matthew Barone upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2015 Man of the Year Award by the
Bensonhurst West End Community Council

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, It is also 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Matthew Barone upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2015 Man of the Year Award by the Bensonhurst West End Community Council
to be celebrated at its 54th Annual Gala, at El Caribe, Brooklyn, New
York on Thursday, March 5, 2015; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong learner, Matthew Barone graduated from James Madi-
son High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social
Studies and Secondary Education; concurrently, he worked as a Parapro-
fessional for the New York City Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, Beginning his career in education as a teacher at Middle
School 88 at the Park Slope Education Complex in Brooklyn, New York,
Matthew Barone enthusiastically taught middle school students for 10
years; he transitioned to a leadership role, guiding a department of
teachers as an Assistant Principal; and
WHEREAS, Today, Matthew Barone is happily employed as an Assistant
Principal in P.S./I.S. 226 in Brooklyn; in this capacity, he supports
Principal Sherry Tannenbaum in educating and leading Bensonhurst
students, preparing them to be college and career ready; and
WHEREAS, One of the many initiatives started by Matthew Barone is the
use of an online remedial reading program, which has assisted the most
at-risk students and English Language Learner in achieving greater
success in literacy; he also piloted GO Math for his middle school math
students; and
WHEREAS, When he is not modeling rigorous lessons for teachers, coun-
seling students, or mentoring new teachers, Matthew Barone is often
found playing flag football with his students or organizing various
fundraisers for students in need; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the summer months, Matthew Barone dedicates his
time to a summer school program which includes students from seven area
elementary and middles schools; additionally, he coordinates an inten-
sive language academy to assist English Language Learners to support
students; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Matthew Barone attends Council for Exceptional
Children (CEC) meetings for District 21 to support educational initi-
atives which impact the community; he also serves as a member of the
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the Council
of School Supervisors and Administrators; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Susan, and his
devoted children, Matthew, Antonia, Alexandra, Nicholas, and Aidan, all
of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Educator Matthew Barone has an uncompromising view that all
students can learn if provided with an environment which fosters safety,

compassion, and positive learning experiences; he leads his staff with
these tenets in mind, impacting hundreds of students each year; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Barone has brought great credit upon himself by
continually demonstrating an impressive dedication, an unparalleled
devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educa-
tional programs and opportunities offered at the schools where he has
served; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Matthew Barone has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Matthew Barone upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2015 Man of the Year Award by the Bensonhurst West End Community
Council; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matthew Barone.