09-R342

2009 -- H 6448

Enacted 10/28/09

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING DR. EDWARD MARA ON HIS RETIREMENT AS SUPERINTENDENT OF

SCHOOLS FOR THE BRISTOL-WARREN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Introduced By: Representatives Gablinske, Gallison, and Malik

Date Introduced: October 28, 2009

     WHEREAS, In the mid-1960s, Edward P. Mara followed his heart and began on the path

to a career in education. He graduated from the University of Miami and went on to attain his

Master’s degree in Education from Bridgewater State College. A dedicated life-long learner, Dr.

Mara continued his education, earning his Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University; and

      WHEREAS, Dr. Mara began his chosen career as a teacher and counselor with the

Barnstable Public School District in Massachusetts. To the very good fortune of Ocean State

students, he was hired as a Middle School Assistant Principal with the Foster-Glocester School

Department in 1978; and

      WHEREAS, Over the next two and a half decades, Dr. Mara served in numerous

administrative positions across Rhode Island. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at Johnson

and Wales University’s Feinstein Graduate School; and

      WHEREAS, In June of 2003, Dr. Mara was named Superintendent of Schools for the

Bristol-Warren Regional School District, where he has served for the past six years; and

      WHEREAS, During his tenure, Dr. Mara was the motivating force behind the

establishment of the Kickemuit Education Foundation that currently serves the Bristol-Warren

Regional School District, as well as the community. He spearheaded programs to increase

student achievement and provide teaching staff with professional development. In 2009, he was

named Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year; and

      WHEREAS, Always going above and beyond, Dr. Mara has also served on numerous

professional and community committees and organizations, including the Rhode Island

Superintendents Association, the American Association of School Administrators, the Rhode

Island Association of Principals, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals,

to name just a few; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mara’s career in education has spanned thirty-nine years. The

accomplishments and strides he has made in improving the educational experience of the children

of the Bristol-Warren Regional School District and the State of Rhode Island will be felt for

generations; now, therefore be it

      RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby honors and commends Dr. Edward P. Mara on his retirement after

six years as Superintendent of the Bristol-Warren Regional School District and a total of 39 years

of devoted service in the field of education. We thank him for all his efforts and wish him good

health, fulfillment, and much success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

      RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Dr. Edward P. Mara.

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LC03025

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