TITLE: Recognizing March 24, 2015, as La Joya Independent School District Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing March 24, 2015, as La Joya Independent School District Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Representatives from La Joya Independent School District are visiting Austin on March 24, 2015, 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, 8 middle schools, and 6 high schools, as well as the College and Career Center and two academies; the administration has worked tirelessly to improve college readiness and encourage more young people to pursue higher education, and today, students can complete associate's degrees at Jimmy Carter Early College High School and STEM Early College High School; and WHEREAS, More than 94 percent of students graduate with a recommended or distinguished achievement diploma, and the three-year dropout rate is less than three percent; the district, which in 2014 "met standard," the top Texas Education Agency rating, offers a well-rounded curriculum, and in recent years, students have excelled in such areas as band competitions and the ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair; in 2013, the Palmview High School mariachi and folklorico groups were invited to appear in the inaugural parade in Washington, D.C.; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of superintendent Dr. Alda Benavides, the district has invested significantly in technology, employee and student wellness, safety, and career education; teachers, hourly employees, and administrators all received raises two years in a row, yet property taxes were not increased; 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, 84th Legislature, hereby recognize March 24, 2015, 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 March 24, 2015.