TITLE: Honoring Jim Richardson on his retirement as headmaster of Dallas Academy.

SUMMARY: Honoring Jim Richardson on his retirement as headmaster of Dallas Academy.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Jim Richardson will be retiring on August 1, 2017, after 34 years of service as headmaster of Dallas Academy, and this provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on his long and distinguished tenure at the helm of that institution; and WHEREAS, In 1983, Mr. Richardson was appointed as the sixth headmaster of Dallas Academy, bringing to the campus a vision for growth and a genuine commitment to promoting educational excellence for students with learning differences; under his leadership, the school quickly established an athletic program and began offering a variety of student extracurricular activities, and its enrollment steadily grew, surpassing 100 in 1992; and WHEREAS, The increased number of students required expanded facilities, and Mr. Richardson's leadership was key to the many changes that took place at the school in the late 1990s and early 2000s; a gymnasium was added in 1997, and after additional land was purchased and the academy merged with the Lattner School, a beautiful new addition was dedicated in 2008 that included a library, cafeteria, and multiple learning labs; today, the campus accommodates a student body that numbers approximately 200; and WHEREAS, While guiding the development of Dallas Academy, Mr. Richardson has had the joy of watching its students, many of whom had struggled in public schools, gain newfound confidence and achieve success in their course work and activities; during his tenure, the academy's football team won its first state title, its yearbook, The Legend,received national recognition, and performing arts students staged the first annual holiday musical; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Wichita Falls, Jim Richardson was inspired to pursue his calling after witnessing the compassion and commitment of his mother, who taught students with special needs; he worked as a teacher and administrator at Skyline High School from 1975 to 1983 before being recruited as headmaster of Dallas Academy; retirement will afford him the opportunity to spend more time with his treasured family, which includes his wife, Meg, his daughter, Meghan, his son-in-law, Ken, and his three grandsons; and WHEREAS, Revered for his passion and enthusiasm, Jim Richardson has made a transformative impact through his work as headmaster that will shape the future of Dallas Academy for years to come, and he departs from his post with the admiration of his colleagues and the gratitude of countless students and families; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby honor Jim Richardson on his retirement as headmaster of Dallas Academy 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. Richardson as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Bohac Villalba Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2625 was adopted by the House on May 28, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House