SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 354

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association on the occasion of the organization's 100th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association was formed on November 30, 1917, when I. N. Odom assembled the first meeting of principals at the Texas State Teachers Association conference; and

WHEREAS, The association, commonly known as TEPSA, was established with the mission of improving the education of Texas children and the working conditions of elementary school principals; today, the association serves 6,000 principals, assistant principals, and supervisors who direct the activities of approximately three million children enrolled in Texas elementary schools; and

WHEREAS, The association has played a significant role in the evolving standards of education in Texas; in 1942, it recommended the formal set of guidelines by which to evaluate elementary schools, and in 1974, the association's recommendation that a full-time principal be employed at every elementary school was approved by the Texas Education Agency; in 2000, TEPSA members began training student council leaders and their advisors at schools throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association has a long and successful history of advocacy for elementary education, and it continues to have a positive impact by working with state legislators, policy makers, and other stakeholders who seek to improve the quality of childhood education in Texas; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association has served as an independent association since 1978, and it has grown to become the largest and most respected state elementary principals association in the nation; members of the organization contribute to a proud legacy, and they have remained committed to improving student achievement levels for all Texas children; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend all associated with the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association and extend to them congratulations on 100 years of success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the association as a memento of this special anniversary. Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 6, 2017.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate