Senate Joint Resolution 459, sponsored by Pody, honors Mary Decker for her dedicated career in special needs education. Decker worked with the Anoka-Hennepin School District in Minnesota from 1991 until her retirement in 2015, where she began as a paraprofessional and progressed to various teaching roles, including special needs teacher and reading instructor. Throughout her 17 years with the district, she was particularly noted for her commitment as a homebound teacher for special needs students. Decker holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Education and Reading Instructional Licensure, along with specialized training in teaching reading to students with dyslexia.

After retiring and moving to Tennessee, Decker continued her commitment to education by volunteering at a local elementary school and remains active in her church community. The resolution acknowledges her significant contributions to public service and quality education for special needs students, as well as her supportive family life with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren. The General Assembly extends its best wishes to Decker for her future endeavors, recognizing her exemplary service in the field of education.