SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 57
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas commemorates the 
life of Dalton L. James on the occasion of the dedication of the 
Dalton L. James DeSoto Independent School District Administration
Building on October 12, 2003; and
	WHEREAS, When Dalton James began his teaching career in 
DeSoto, the school building was in such bad repair that the 
state required it to be replaced; he played a major role in the 
construction of the new school that serves today as the district 
administration building; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. James served as principal of the DeSoto school 
from 1935 to 1943, an era marked by the hardships of the Great 
Depression and World War II; the period required a strong leader, 
and he was successful in meeting the challenges he faced; and
	WHEREAS, To keep DeSoto's elementary school open during the 
Depression, Dalton James took a school census by personally going 
from house to house to count the number of students; the final 
count exceeded the number required to keep the school open by one 
single student; while serving as principal, he also taught seventh
and eighth grades, drove the school bus, acted as janitor, and 
mowed the grass at the school; and
	WHEREAS, Emphasizing both high academic standards and 
physical exercise, Mr. James stressed a balanced school day; 
his commitment to a sound mathematics program resulted in 
DeSoto students winning the Number Sense competition in the 
Dallas County Interscholastic League Competition nearly every 
year during his tenure as principal; he allowed for extended 
recess time when a game was tied, noting that playing and 
studying were both important parts of the school day; and
	WHEREAS, Dalton James dedicated his life to education, and 
he was revered by the entire community for his commitment to the 
students in the district; during difficult times, he provided 
the leadership and the administrative skills to keep the school 
district operating; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby join the DeSoto 
Independent School District in celebrating the dedication of the 
Dalton L. James Administration Building and extend best wishes 
for a memorable occasion; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared 
for the people of DeSoto as an expression of esteem from the 
Texas Senate.
                                                                            West




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on July 14, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate