Assembly Resolution No. 199

BY: M. of A. Garbarino

COMMEMORATING Dr. Walter Schartner upon the
occasion of his retirement after 44 distinguished
years as an educator to the Sayville School District
on June 30, 2017

WHEREAS, It is 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
commemorate Dr. Walter Schartner upon the occasion of his retirement
after 44 distinguished years as an educator, coach, and friend on
Friday, June 30, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Walter Schartner began his distinguished teaching
career in September of 1973, as a Science teacher at Plainedge Public
Schools; after five years, he went on to join the Sayville Public
Schools where he taught General Science and Chemistry at the secondary
level, sat on educational committees to improve practices and coached in
the athletic program; and

WHEREAS, After 10 years, Dr. Walter Schartner ventured into the
administrative level, first as the Assistant Principal at Sayville High
School for three years, then as the Assistant Principal at Sayville
Middle School; and

WHEREAS, In 1994, Dr. Walter Schartner advanced to Principal at
Sayville Middle School, a position he held for 16 years; in this role,
he served as a dynamic administrator, studied and earned his Doctorate
in Education, as well as developed various programs and incentives that
explored and implemented best practices; and

WHEREAS, After his tenure at Sayville Middle School, Dr. Walter
Schartner rose to the esteemed position of Superintendent of Sayville
Public Schools; in this capacity, he served as both Treasurer and
President of the Islip Chief School Administrators Association,
Treasurer and Vice President of the Board of Directors for SCOPE
Education Services as well as a member of the Board of Directors of
Reform Educational Financing Inequities Today (REFIT), an active member
of the New York State Council of Superintendents and a member of the
executive board and co-chair of the Suffolk County Schools
Superintendents Association Legislative Committee; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career as an educator, Dr. Walter Schartner
received many awards and accolades for his work including, Honorary
Lifetime Member Award by the Sayville Middle/High School PTA and New
York State Principal-of-the-Year Award by New York State Association for
Computers and Technologies in Education (NYSCATE) for his outstanding
leadership; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the accolades Dr. Walter Schartner is most
proud of are the achievements earned by the entire Sayville Middle
School community, including the New York State Essential Elements:
Schools to Watch in 2005 and 2009 and the National Middle School of
Excellence; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Dr. Walter Schartner has been the recipient
of the 2010 Bill Zeller Tournament-Spike Daly Man-of-the-Year Award, the
2011 Long Island Maritime Museum Polaris Award for Excellence in
Education in 2011, and received recognition in The Greater Sayville
Chamber of Commerce in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Dr. Walter Schartner is a member
of Sayville Rotary, and formed the Sayville-West Sayville Business
Advisory committee; he has also involved many Sayville student
volunteers in the Chamber of Commerce events; and

WHEREAS, Upon his retirement, Dr. Walter Schartner is looking
forward to spending time with his wife, Susan, children and five
grandchildren, as well as on the golf course; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Walter Schartner has continually demonstrated an
impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting
enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities
offered at the Sayville School District for the benefit of its faculty
and students, as well as for the entire community; and

WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and
the success of the Sayville School District is due in large part to the
efforts of Dr. Walter Schartner; and

WHEREAS, In completing his service as a superintendent, Dr. Walter
Schartner leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves
behind a legacy to the residents of the Sayville community and to future
generations of its students; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Walter Schartner upon the occasion of his retirement, and
for his significant contributions to education in New York State; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Walter Schartner.