R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 Dr. R. Jerry Barber for his exceptional contributions to the field 1-3 of public education; and 1-4 WHEREAS, After earning a bachelor's degree from Texas 1-5 Christian University and a master's degree from Our Lady of the 1-6 Lake University, this esteemed individual furthered his studies 1-7 with a doctorate from New Mexico State University; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Dr. Barber began his distinguished career as a 1-9 classroom teacher in 1964; he has proven to be an effective 1-10 administrator as well and was deputy superintendent of the Ysleta 1-11 Independent School District before becoming superintendent of the 1-12 Socorro Independent School District in 1988, in which capacity he 1-13 proudly serves today; and 1-14 WHEREAS, His tenure has been marked by many significant 1-15 accomplishments, including the development and implementation of 1-16 multitrack year-round education for students in prekindergarten 1-17 through 12th grade, the initiation of several innovative education 1-18 programs, and the passage of two bond packages resulting in the 1-19 construction of much-needed classroom space, and this respected 1-20 educator is currently leading an effort to build an aquatic center; 1-21 and 1-22 WHEREAS, Dr. Barber has remained deeply committed to 1-23 enhancing the educational opportunities of all area students by 1-24 addressing their academic, social, physical, and emotional needs; 2-1 he has been rewarded for his efforts with his students' many 2-2 successes, and the Texas Education Agency has recognized a number 2-3 of the district's schools for their achievements as well; and 2-4 WHEREAS, An acknowledged leader in his chosen field, he has 2-5 generously shared his expertise with his colleagues as a member of 2-6 several professional organizations; his exemplary service has 2-7 earned him several prestigious accolades, and he has been named 2-8 Kappan of the Year by Phi Beta Kappa, Outstanding Texas Educator by 2-9 the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Year-Round 2-10 Education, and Distinguished Alumnus by New Mexico State 2-11 University; and 2-12 WHEREAS, For more than 30 years, Dr. Barber has worked for 2-13 the betterment of public education in the Lone Star State, and it 2-14 is indeed appropriate that the members of this chamber join in 2-15 recognizing his outstanding efforts; now, therefore, be it 2-16 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-17 Legislature hereby commend Dr. R. Jerry Barber for his many 2-18 significant contributions in the field of education and extend to 2-19 him warmest best wishes for continued success and happiness in all 2-20 his future endeavors; and, be it further 2-21 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-22 prepared for Dr. Barber as an expression of high regard by the 2-23 Texas House of Representatives. Pickett _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 220 was adopted by the House on February 25, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House