TITLE: Congratulating Dr. Ben Coker on his retirement as assistant superintendent of business services for Highland Park Independent School District.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Dr. Ben Coker on his retirement as assistant superintendent of business services for Highland Park Independent School District.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Dr. Ben Coker is retiring as assistant superintendent of business services for Highland Park Independent School District on July 31, 2011, drawing to a close a notable tenure in education that has spanned more than four decades; and WHEREAS, Earlier in his career, Dr. Coker distinguished himself as assistant superintendent of general administration and business services for Goose Creek Consolidated ISD in Baytown and as assistant superintendent of business and finance for Paris ISD; and WHEREAS, Dr. Coker joined Highland Park ISD in 2001 and has since played a vital role in ensuring the district's financial integrity and stability; he managed the 2008 bond issue, and thanks in large part to his skill and leadership, HPISD is the only district in the state to earn and maintain a AAA bond rating; and WHEREAS, Widely recognized as one of the state's leading experts on school finance, Dr. Coker has served as an officer for the Texas Association of School Boards Risk Management Fund and for the Texas Association of School Board Officials; and WHEREAS, Ben Coker's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have greatly benefited the citizens of Highland Park and earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and he may indeed reflect with pride on his accomplishments as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Dr. Ben Coker on his retirement from the Highland Park Independent School District and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Dr. Coker as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Branch Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 250 was adopted by the House on June 28, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House