SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 944 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Michael W. Lehr for his many years of outstanding service to the Texas Retired Teachers Association; and WHEREAS, Currently a resident of Taylor, Mike Lehr earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree from McMurry University in Abilene; and WHEREAS, Since 1987, Mr. Lehr has served as the legislative coordinator for the Texas Retired Teachers Association, and from 1994 through January of 2003, he served as the association's executive director; he was a volunteer to the association's state office for 10 years and was a part-time employee for seven years; upon his retirement, he was appointed executive director emeritus; and WHEREAS, For his dedication and commitment to the interests and needs of the education community and the senior citizens of Texas, Mike has received the Texas Retired Educator Award and the E. L. Galyean Award from the Texas Retired Teachers Association; in addition, he earned the National Retired Educator Award for the State of Texas from the National Retired Teachers Association; and WHEREAS, Prior to his service with the Texas Retired Teachers Association, Mike enjoyed a long and distinguished career in education; he spent 16 years with the San Angelo Independent School District as a teacher and principal, and he held a number of administrative positions with the Austin Independent School District until his retirement in 1985; and WHEREAS, Mike also served as chief of staff to the Texas House of Representatives' Committee on Public Education during the 64th Legislative Session and to its Special Committee on Alternatives to Public School Financing in 1976; and WHEREAS, An active member of numerous professional organizations, Mike has served as area vice president of the Texas Association for the Improvement of Reading, as founder and president of the Association of Compensatory Educators of Texas, as Texas Representative to the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and as a member and leader of a wide array of other associations and committees; and WHEREAS, Mike Lehr brought a wealth of experience and expertise to his position as the executive director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, and he deserves recognition for his exceptional leadership and accomplishments; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 78th Legislature, hereby commend Michael W. Lehr for his many years of invaluable service to the Texas Retired Teachers Association and extend best wishes to him for his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Armbrister ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 22, 2003. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate