H.R. No. 880
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
 
         WHEREAS, Dr. J. D. Kennedy retired from the McKinney
  Independent School District on December 31, 2014, having rendered
  outstanding service to the students and residents of his community
  as superintendent; and
         WHEREAS, For nearly four decades, Dr. Kennedy dedicated
  himself to the education of Texas schoolchildren; much of his
  career was spent in North Texas, where he led the Decatur and
  Midlothian school districts as superintendent before coming to
  McKinney in 2009; and
         WHEREAS, During his time with McKinney ISD, Dr. Kennedy
  helped maintain high standards of academic excellence while
  overseeing the district's continued growth; in 2011, he was
  instrumental in the passage of a bond proposal that allowed for
  major renovations and expansions at area campuses, including a $46
  million project at McKinney High School and a $17 million project at
  Faubion Middle School; under his guidance, the district expanded
  career and technology programs and saw improved student performance
  on AP exams, with all three of the district's high schools being
  named among the top three percent in the nation for 2014 by U.S.
  News & World Report; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Kennedy has further demonstrated his leadership
  skills as a member of the Texas Education Agency Commissioner's
  TASA Cabinet of Superintendents and through his service in
  positions of responsibility with other professional organizations
  at the state, regional, and national levels; and
         WHEREAS, Many students of McKinney ISD will remember
  Dr. Kennedy greeting them on their first day of school, and his warm
  and welcoming presence will certainly be missed; in the free time
  that retirement affords him, he is enjoying the company of his
  grandchildren and also has plans to travel and to continue his
  involvement with mission trips to Hungary; and
         WHEREAS, Over the years, Dr. Kennedy led the way in fostering
  a supportive and challenging educational environment for the
  students of his district, and he may reflect with great pride on his
  rich and rewarding career and on his exceptional record of service;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
  Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. J. D. Kennedy on his retirement
  as superintendent of the McKinney Independent School District and
  extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Dr. Kennedy as an expression of high regard by the
  Texas House of Representatives.
 
  Sanford
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 880 was adopted by the House on March
  12, 2015, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House