Senate Resolution No. 4856

BY: Senator SEWARD

COMMENDING Rosario Agostaro upon the occasion of
his retirement after more than 30 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
commend Rosario Agostaro upon the occasion of his retirement after more
than 30 years as an educator; and

WHEREAS, Rosario Agostaro earned his associate of arts degree in
physical science from Union College in New Jersey, and his bachelor of
arts degree in geology from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, Rosario Agostaro furthered his education by obtaining his
master of arts degree in geology, teacher certification (science 7-12)
and his Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY New Paltz; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, Rosario Agostaro began his long and distinguished
career in education as an earth science/physical science teacher with
Washingtonville Central School District, a position he held for 13
years; and

WHEREAS, From 2007-2009, Rosario Agostaro served as the assistant
superintendent of Secondary C & I, Newburgh Enlarged City School
District; in this capacity, he was a successful program and grant
developer, implementing Co-PI, 1 three-year NSF-funded program; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, Rosario Agostaro assumed the title of
superintendent of the Rondout Valley Central School District, the
position from which he will officially retire; and

WHEREAS, Under his luminous leadership, the district's graduation
rate increased from 72% to 95%; he established a partnership between the
district and the Ulster County Historical Society to bring museum
exhibits to the high school; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional educator also served as an adjunct
instructor at SUNY Ulster; in this capacity, he was instrumental in
developing the SUNY Ulster President's Challenge Scholarship and the
History Department and Constitutional Studies Lecture Series; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to providing quality education to each and every
child, Rosario Agostaro is a member of the Mohonk Preserve Educational

Committee, and the local education foundation to assist with raising
funds for the school district; he has also worked with various farming
organizations to promote agriculture education; and

WHEREAS, Rosario Agostaro serves on the Mid-Hudson School Study
Council, Mid-Hudson Athletic Council and Section IX Athletic Council
Executive Committee; the NYSPHSAA Central Committee, the New York State
Council of School Superintendents Legislative Committee, the Mohonk
Preserve Education Committee, and held the title of chairman of the
Science Teachers Association of New York State Southeastern Section from
1992-1994; and

WHEREAS, Rosario Agostaro also developed ESDIL through NYLearns
Educational Portal, and a grant initiative funded by the New World
Foundation to establish an agriculture and food science Kindergarten
through 12th grade program; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Rosario Agostaro served as a consultant to
several organizations including the New York State Education Department,
ETS in Princeton, New Jersey, and Holt/Rhinehart/Winston; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his long and distinguished career, Rosario
Agostaro published many publications and gave various professional
presentations; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
profession, Rosario Agostaro was the recipient of numerous awards and
accolades including the 1995 Outstanding Science Teacher Award and the
2014 Signs of Sustainability Award; in 2004, he was named Administrator
of the Year, and served as a mentor to the Westinghouse Science Talent
Search New York State Winner; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 26 years, Gayle,
and their two children, Vincenzo and Gabriella, all of whom have shown
him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rosario Agostaro will be sorely missed by the students,
teachers and staff members; he treated each and every single person with
respect, while continuing to raise the bar on academics; and

WHEREAS, The driving force behind Rosario Agostaro's commitment to
public education is his firm belief that all children have the potential
to do great things if given the opportunity; he prides himself on
creating an educational environment where students come first and
expectations are high; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rosario Agostaro upon the occasion of his retirement after more
than 30 years of service as an educator, and to wish him continued
success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rosario Agostaro.