LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mark R. Prowatzke, Ph.D. upon the occa-
sion of his retirement after 21 years of distinguished service to the
Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stat-
ure 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 Mark
R. Prowatzke, Ph.D. on the occasion of his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Mark R. Prowatzke received his Bachelor's and Master's
degrees from the University of Wisconsin in Elementary Education and
Deaf Education, respectively, and he was awarded a professional degree
from the University of Minnesota in Educational Policy and Adminis-
tration; and
WHEREAS, Mark R. Prowatzke held many leadership roles throughout his
career, serving as Dean of the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind; a
Regional Consultant to numerous rural school districts; Supervisor of
Deaf Education in Rochester, Minnesota public schools; an adjunct
professor and State Director of Rehabilitation Services for the Deaf;
and
WHEREAS, Immediately prior to coming to Mill Neck Manor School for the
Deaf, Mark R. Prowatzke was Director of Deaf Services Division for the
Minnesota Department of Human Services, whose 48 Deafness professionals
designed and provided services in the areas of mental health, chemical
dependency, training for agency staff and statewide interpreter refer-
ral; and
WHEREAS, Mark R. Prowatzke became the Executive Director at Mill Neck
Manor School for the Deaf and Mill Neck Early Childhood Center in July
1992; and
WHEREAS, Mark R. Prowatzke has been responsible for the supervision,
management and educational growth of approximately 200 students and 100
staff; working to improve the education of Deaf and autistic children
throughout the New York City region and all across Long Island; and
WHEREAS, Mark R. Prowatzke is considered an expert in deaf education,
presenting at many conferences dealing with administration and Deafness;
and
WHEREAS, Mark R. Prowatzke has always been a vocal supporter for the
need for special schools such as the 4201 schools; believing that Deaf
children should have the right to direct access to communication with
appropriately certified staff and that students should have an opportu-
nity to interact with staff and students who can communicate in the same
language they use; and
WHEREAS, Mark R. Prowatzke has always declared that schools such as
Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf are language rich settings and the
most appropriate placements for many students; and
WHEREAS, Mark R. Prowatzke has been an inspirational leader for his
staff, the parents and the community, whose guidance, care and support
will be missed greatly; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mark R. Prowatzke, Ph.D. upon the occasion of his retirement

after 21 years of distinguished service, and to wish him well in all his
future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mark R. Prowatzke, Ph.D.