TITLE: Recognizing February 27, 2017, as La Joya ISD Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 27, 2017, as La Joya ISD Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Many proud representatives from the La Joya Independent School District are gathering in Austin on February 27, 2017, in celebration of La Joya Independent School District Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, A rapidly growing district, La Joya Independent School District includes 23 elementary schools, eight middle schools, and six high schools, as well as the College and Career Center, the Academy of Health Science Professions-STEM, and two other academies; the administration has worked tirelessly to encourage more young people to pursue higher education, and to date, students in dual-enrollment courses have received more than 44,000 hours of college credit; in addition, students in career and technology programs have earned over 2,000 certificates; and WHEREAS, More than 94 percent of students graduate with a recommended or distinguished achievement diploma, and the four-year dropout rate is less than three percent; in the most recent year, the district received the "Met Standard" rating from the Texas Education Agency; it offers a well-rounded curriculum, and students have excelled in such areas as band competitions and the ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair; and WHEREAS, The district benefits greatly from the vision and expertise of superintendent Dr. Alda Benavides, who was named 2015 Superintendent of the Year for Region 1 by the Texas Association of School Boards and was ranked among the top five superintendents in the state; under her leadership, the district has invested significantly in technology, science laboratory materials, employee and student wellness, and safety; moreover, the district added 10 new school buses; teachers, hourly employees, and administrators all received raises in consecutive years, yet property taxes were not increased; the district has received approval for a natatorium, a student resource center, and a new employee health clinic building; the school board was named Region 1 School Board of the Year and was selected as a Top Five Honor Board; and WHEREAS, The education of young Texans is a vital enterprise, and the La Joya Independent School District has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing a challenging and supportive learning environment to prepare its graduates for future success; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby recognize February 27, 2017, as La Joya Independent School District Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin. Hinojosa President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 27, 2017.