Senate Resolution No. 1983

BY: Senator THOMAS

HONORING Dr. Kishore Kuncham upon the occasion of
his retirement after 30 years of distinguished
service to the Freeport School District

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those
individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Kishore Kuncham upon the occasion of his retirement after 30 years
of distinguished service to the Freeport School District on Tuesday,
August 20, 2024; and

WHEREAS, For the past 30 years, Dr. Kishore Kuncham rendered
faithful, conscientious, and valuable service to Freeport School
District; and

WHEREAS, In his role as superintendent for the past 15 years, Dr.
Kishore Kuncham's leadership has centered on fostering a holistic
learning environment that goes beyond academics, focusing on the social
and emotional growth of every student as they prepare to become future
leaders and competent global citizens; and

WHEREAS, As Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kishore Kuncham
emphasized his whole child approach to learning while introducing
innovative programs and services, including offering more than 30
Advanced Placement courses and more than 30 Dual-Enrollment College
Credit courses, resulting in the highest graduation rates in several
decades with alumni attending some of the most prestigious colleges and
universities in the country; and

WHEREAS, Students participating in the district's music and arts
programs develop a life-long appreciation of the arts, with performing
groups being regularly invited to share their musical talents at
prestigious venues while also performing at local community events,
allowing these students to gain valuable artistic experience and make
meaningful connections with community stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, The Freeport School District's state-of-the-art science
research programs, in collaboration with world-renowned institutions and
prestigious universities such as Cornell University and Brookhaven
National Laboratory, have flourished during Dr. Kishore Kuncham's tenure
and have provided students with the unique opportunity to work alongside
Nobel Prize laureates, NASA scientists, and astronauts; and

WHEREAS, Under the purview of Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham,
the district's athletic program has gained statewide recognition for
producing championship teams whose student athletes serve as role models
both on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, The Freeport School District experienced great financial
stability under this superintendent's meaningful 15-year career; the

district achieved and maintained one of the highest bond ratings, an
accolade earned by only a select few school districts; Dr. Kishore
Kuncham's prudent fiscal management resulted in almost a decade of
consecutive tax levy decreases and approved budgets, while channeling
substantial investments into programs, technology, and facilities at the
benefit of students and staff alike; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kishore Kuncham also worked hard to obtain grant
funding for students and teachers in his district, ultimately allowing
them to pursue their educational endeavors to their greatest extents;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kishore Kuncham's unwavering advocacy for peace and
non-violence has brought the Freeport School District and the community
together through annual peace concerts, peace marches, and an
unprecedented 131-mile peace walk, all of which have left the valued
superintendent celebrated for his tireless fundraising efforts and
commitment to humanitarianism; and

WHEREAS, An advocate for the important role health and wellness
plays in educating the whole child, Dr. Kishore Kuncham also introduced
the daily practice of mindfulness, yoga, and guided breathing into
Freeport Schools; and

WHEREAS, For his visionary leadership and profound commitment to
education and the community at large, Dr. Kishore Kuncham is the
recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including: the highest honor
from the Association of School Business Officials International-the
Eagle Award, the Outstanding Superintendent of the Year Award from more
than one organization, the New York State PTA Distinguished Service
Award, the Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award, the Long Island Herald
Person of the Year, and his guidance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
earned him the title of Hometown Hero; he also received the prestigious
"Key Influencer" Award as one of only two civilians in the entire
country to have the honor to fly with the Blue Angels; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kishore Kuncham founded the Freeport Educational
Foundation and served on the Board of Governors of the New York Schools
Insurance Reciprocal (NYSIR); his service extends to board leadership
roles in organizations such as Reform Educational Finance Inequities
Today (REFIT), New York Benefits for Educators and Student Trust
(NYBEST), United Way of Long Island, Island Harvest, the Cradle of
Aviation Museum, and the Nassau Community College Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kishore Kuncham's historic role as the first
Indian-American School Superintendent in New York State will forever be
remembered as a testament to his trailblazing spirit; and

WHEREAS, Over his 35 years of dedicated service to the field of
public education, Dr. Kishore Kuncham served with loyalty, honor, and
distinction; and

WHEREAS, In his official acts, Dr. Kishore Kuncham was governed by a
keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems;
and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Freeport School District, Dr.
Kishore Kuncham earned the admiration, esteem, and affection of his
colleagues and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Kishore Kuncham upon the occasion of his retirement after 30
years of distinguished service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Kishore Kuncham.