By Pickett                                       H.R. No. 220

      75R6841 SAJ-D                           

                                 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 student's 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.