TITLE: Congratulating Richard Matkin on his retirement as superintendent of the Plano Independent School District.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Richard Matkin on his retirement as superintendent of the Plano Independent School District.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Richard Matkin retired as superintendent of the Plano Independent School District on January 30, 2015, drawing to a close an outstanding 40-year career in the field of public education; and WHEREAS, During his tenure with Plano ISD, Mr. Matkin spent 11 years as the associate superintendent for business services, and in 2012 he was appointed superintendent after having previously led the district on an interim basis; renowned for his financial expertise, he successfully managed the district's budget and played a key role in the successful effort to pass four bond proposals; those funds facilitated many classroom initiatives, as well as the construction of 11 new schools, a staff development center, a stadium, and other improvements; in addition, he oversaw the creation of the Community and Student Engagement Accountability System, which has since been implemented by 30 other school districts in the region; and WHEREAS, This esteemed professional helped Plano ISD garner the highest rating in the assessment conducted by Schools Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas and a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association; beyond his exceptional efforts to place the district on a sound financial footing, he demonstrated strong support for teachers, and his advocacy in their behalf greatly benefited the educational mission of Plano ISD; and WHEREAS, Mr. Matkin's career as an educator included teaching assignments in math, history, health, and physical education, and he is also a certified public accountant; a graduate of Austin College, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees, he was honored with that institution's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013; in all his endeavors, he enjoys the love and support of his wife, Debbie, and their two children; as he begins his retirement, he is looking forward to spending more time with his loved ones, especially his two grandchildren, who are just starting on their own educational journeys; and WHEREAS, The Plano Independent School District has gained immeasurably from Richard Matkin's visionary leadership and his commitment to creating a superior learning atmosphere for young Texans, and he may reflect with pride on a job well done; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Richard Matkin on his retirement as superintendent of the Plano 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 Mr. Matkin as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Leach Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 537 was adopted by the House on March 5, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House