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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 660

	WHEREAS, June 30, 2005, marks the retirement of Dr. James Terry
as superintendent of the Mesquite Independent School District, 
drawing to a close an outstanding 42-year career in education; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Terry attended the University of North Texas,  
the University of Florida, and East Texas State University in 
Commerce, where he earned his undergraduate, master's, and 
doctoral degrees; in September 1963, Dr. Terry began his teaching 
career at French High School in Beaumont, and two years later, he 
moved to Dallas and taught in the Dallas Independent School 
District; and

	WHEREAS, Joining the Mesquite Independent School District 
as a math instructor in 1967, Dr. Terry served in numerous 
administrative positions over the years, including deputy 
superintendent for 12 years, before assuming the role of 
superintendent in July 2001; Dr. Terry maintained a highly 
visible, hands-on approach in leading this district composed of 
more than 34,000 students, and his leadership style was made 
readily apparent in one of his first actions as superintendent 
when he personally visited all 42 school campuses in the 
district; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Terry, recognized statewide as an exemplary 
leader in public education, worked for eight years on the 
University Interscholastic League Legislative Council, serving 
as chairman in 2001; in addition, he has held numerous other 
leadership roles, including service on the President's Education 
Advisory Council for The Texas A&M University System and in the 
Regent's Initiative for Excellence in Education through
Texas A&M University--Commerce; he also was the Region 10 director
for the Equity Center, a member of the Executive Council of the 
East Texas School Study, and president of the North Central Texas 
Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development; and

	WHEREAS, This exemplary educator and administrator was 
selected by the Association of Texas Professional Educators as 
the 1999 Administrator of the Year for the State of Texas;
Dr. Terry also received the 2004 Golden Deeds for Education Award 
from Texas A&M University; and

	WHEREAS, For nearly four decades, Dr. Terry has served the 
Mesquite Independent School District with integrity and 
dedication, earning the lasting respect and admiration of his 
colleagues, and it is a pleasure to honor him for his exemplary 
tenure as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in his life;
now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby congratulate Dr. James Terry on the 
occasion of his retirement as superintendent of the Mesquite 
Independent School District and extend to him sincere best wishes 
for future happiness; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be 
prepared for Dr. Terry as an expression of high regard from the 
Texas Senate.
                                                                  Carona, Deuell





________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 21, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate