R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, Dr. James S. Reed, Jr., has been an educator in the
1-2 Dallas area for the past 25 years, and as he celebrates this most
1-3 noteworthy anniversary, it is indeed appropriate to honor his many
1-4 accomplishments; and
1-5 WHEREAS, A native Texan, Dr. Reed was born in Temple and
1-6 graduated from Bishop College and Prairie View A&M University
1-7 before earning his doctoral degree in adult and continuing
1-8 education from Texas Woman's University in 1996; committed to the
1-9 praiseworthy goal of ensuring a high-quality education for all,
1-10 this esteemed gentleman joined the staff of the Dallas Independent
1-11 School District (DISD) on January 29, 1976, and after 25 years
1-12 continues to express enthusiasm for his chosen career; and
1-13 WHEREAS, An excellent role model for students and teachers
1-14 alike, Dr. Reed has not missed a day of work during the last two
1-15 and a half decades, even after breaking his foot at a school
1-16 skating party; he consistently maintains an open-door policy and
1-17 strives to motivate his students to new levels of achievements; and
1-18 WHEREAS, Known throughout the community for his innovative
1-19 programs and tireless efforts to encourage students academically,
1-20 Dr. Reed will long be remembered for his highly effective Reading
1-21 at Home (RAH) program, in which he rewarded students who attained
1-22 their outside reading goals by conducting a day's business on the
1-23 roof of the school, one year dressed as Batman, another as a World
1-24 War II bombardier, another as Robin Hood, and still another in what
2-1 he aptly named his "Crazy Suit"; and
2-2 WHEREAS, Often orchestrating such trademark events, he one
2-3 time dressed as a cowboy and, flanked by a tent and campfire, read
2-4 aloud to his students during their lunch hours; he spent the rest
2-5 of the day riding a horse around the campus; and
2-6 WHEREAS, Among his many other student-focused activities are
2-7 such commendable projects as distributing Christmas gifts to
2-8 less-fortunate students, reading stories to the kindergarten and
2-9 first-grade students, and getting pies thrown at his face to raise
2-10 funds during a school carnival; and
2-11 WHEREAS, In light of his unique and successful approach to
2-12 education, Dr. Reed has received several prestigious awards,
2-13 including the Outstanding Administrator Award for DISD by the
2-14 Dallas Jaycees/Junior Chamber of Commerce and designation as the
2-15 Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Southeast Dallas Chamber of
2-16 Commerce, and in 1999 he was one of 10 people nationwide honored as
2-17 an American Hero in Education by Reader's Digest; and
2-18 WHEREAS, Endeavoring to equip young Texans with the skills
2-19 and knowledge necessary for future success is a most commendable
2-20 undertaking, and during his impressive tenure as an educator,
2-21 Dr. Reed has earned a special place in the hearts of many of his
2-22 students and the respect and admiration of his colleagues and
2-23 friends; his actions truly merit legislative recognition, and it is
2-24 a privilege to honor him at this time; now, therefore, be it
2-25 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-26 Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. James S. Reed, Jr., on his 25th
2-27 anniversary with DISD and extend to him sincere best wishes for
3-1 continued success and happiness; and, be it further
3-2 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-3 prepared for Dr. Reed as an expression of highest regard by the
3-4 Texas House of Representatives.
Garcia
_______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 759 was adopted by the House on April
18, 2001, by a non-record vote.
_______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House