Senate Resolution No. 2446

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

CONGRATULATING Superintendent Robert W. Katulak
upon the occasion of his retirement after 41
distinguished years as an educator

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled;
its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its
educational professionals and the students they inspire; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those
outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have
been instrumental 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
congratulate Superintendent Robert W. Katulak upon the occasion of his
retirement after 41 distinguished years as an educator; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, Robert W. Katulak started his distinguished career
in education as a Social Studies and English Language Arts Teacher in a
Catholic School on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, while earning his
master's degree at Hunter College; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Robert W. Katulak's principal sponsored
him for a special program in Administrative Leadership at Fordham
College where he earned his School Administrator and Supervisor
Certificate; shortly thereafter, he took a job as a Pre-Kindergarten
through eighth grade Catholic School Principal in Flatbush, Brooklyn; he
also served as the first lay administrator in the school; and

WHEREAS, After seven years, Robert W. Katulak and his family moved
to Middletown, New York, where he held the title of Principal of
Memorial Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Robert W. Katulak then established the first Magnet School
for the city district focusing on the performing arts, science and
technology; and

WHEREAS, Ten years later, Robert W. Katulak became the Director of
Elementary Education in the North Rockland School district, a position
he held for four years; after the Assistant Superintendent for
Curriculum and Instruction retired, he assumed the position, where he
remained for seven more years; and

WHEREAS, In July of 2008, Robert W. Katulak began serving as the
Superintendent of the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District,
the position from which he will officially retire on June 30, 2017; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Robert W. Katulak was instrumental in
leading the District to Award Winning Status, garnering many grants and
working with teachers, administrators and the Board to develop visionary
long range plans, to guide the district into the 21st Century; and


WHEREAS, Educators like Robert W. Katulak 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, Robert W. Katulak has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District, as well as
on the community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and
applause for his impressive dedication 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 Superintendent Robert W. Katulak upon the occasion of his
retirement after 41 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
transmitted to Superintendent Robert W. Katulak.