LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Thomas J. Manko upon the occasion of his
retirement after 36 years of distinguished service as an educator and
administrator in the State of New York

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, For the past 36 years, Thomas J. Manko rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service as an educator and administrator in
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Thomas J.
Manko upon the occasion of his retirement after 36 years of distin-
guished service as an educator and administrator in the State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Manko began his illustrious career teaching second-
ary school social studies in Greenwich, Connecticut; after earning
Master's degrees in both teaching and in public administration, he
accepted his first administrative assignment as the Career and Technical
Assistant Principal for the Oswego County BOCES in Mexico, New York; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Manko then went on to serve ably as Middle School
Principal for the Cato-Meridian Central School District for more than
eight years, spending much of that time as CSE Chair; and
WHEREAS, His competence and dedication later brought him to the
esteemed position of Superintendent of the New York Mills School
District for six years, and after that as York Central School Super-
intendent for a further nine and one-half years; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Manko's mission was to provide quality education
that put the needs of students first; he worked closely with teachers
and administrators on curriculum development to ensure students would be
brought up to speed on the Board of Regents' seven new learning stand-
ards; his guidance provided a safe, supportive and creative learning
environment for the youth of the district; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, Thomas J. Manko accepted a post as Superintendent of
the Mahopac Central School District; his enthusiastic leadership insti-
tuted programs such as Full Day Kindergarten district wide, as well as
spearheading many new construction and improvement projects; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as teacher, principal, and superintendent
Thomas J. Manko served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Manko's retirement in 2014 leaves behind a legacy
of kindness, professionalism, and distinction; he will be dearly missed;
and
WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 Thomas J. Manko upon the occasion of his retirement after 36 years
of distinguished service as an educator and administrator in the State
of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomas J. Manko.