SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 625

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased 
to recognize Dr. Ernie W. Laurence, Sr., on the occasion 
of his retirement after 18 years of outstanding service as 
superintendent of the Hutto Independent School District; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Laurence earned a bachelor's degree and a 
master's degree from Baylor University; he earned a doctoral 
degree from Texas A&M University in 1979; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Laurence began his career in the field 
of education as a teacher and a coach at Reicher Catholic High 
School in Waco in 1968; he subsequently taught with the Cameron 
and San Antonio school districts; and

	WHEREAS, In 1976, Dr. Laurence assumed the position 
of assistant principal at Killeen High School, and he went on 
to serve the Killeen Independent School District as a middle 
school principal and as a director of certified personnel; and

	WHEREAS, The superintendent of Hutto Independent School 
District since 1985, Dr. Laurence has been an effective leader 
and has been committed to meeting the needs of students in the 
Hutto schools; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Laurence takes great pride in two major 
achievements of Hutto schools under his leadership; first, no 
Hutto student has failed to graduate as a result of failing the 
state's mandated tests, including the Texas Assessment of 
Academic Skills examination; this accomplishment is one that 
only a few school districts in Texas can claim; second, 70 to 
75 percent of all Hutto High School graduates pursue some form 
of higher education; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Laurence has further served the field 
of education by his active participation in a number of 
professional organizations, such as the Texas Association 
of School Administrators, the Texas Association of Rural 
Schools, and the Alvarado Intervenors Committee; and

	WHEREAS, The loyalty and dedication that Dr. Laurence 
has brought to his leadership of the Hutto school system has 
benefited the entire citizenry of the city, and his presence 
as superintendent of the Hutto Independent School District 
will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby commend Dr. Ernie W. Laurence, Sr., 
on his exemplary educational leadership and extend best wishes 
to him for the retirement years ahead; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                           Ogden




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 15, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate