81R22535 CBE-D
By: Castro H.R. No. 1513
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, George McKnight of San Antonio has received the 2009
Outstanding Educator Award from the Texas Caucus of Black School
Board Members for his tireless efforts in behalf of the Northside
Independent School District; and
WHEREAS, Retired from a distinguished career in the U.S. Air
Force, Mr. McKnight earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from
The University of Texas at San Antonio in 1995 and began his career
in education in June of that year; he joined Northside ISD in 2000
as the ninth grade success initiative director, and under his
skillful direction, the district was able to reduce the ninth grade
retention rate from 18 to 10 percent; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKnight subsequently became the Smaller
Learning Community coordinator and the Secondary At-risk
coordinator; he developed a Summer TAKS Blitz and a credit
retrieval program for at-risk students that were both so successful
that they were ultimately instituted in all Northside ISD high
schools; and
WHEREAS, At the same time, Mr. McKnight began serving as
district director of AVID (Advancement Via Individual
Determination), a program designed to prepare students in the
academic middle for four-year college eligibility; the AVID pilot
program exceeded expectations, and AVID has since been implemented
at every middle and high school in the district, reaching hundreds
of students; renowned throughout the district for the energy and
vision he brings to AVID, Mr. McKnight was asked in 2008 to take on
further responsibility with the leadership of Northside's Evening
High School; in addition to these full-time posts, he annually
spends more than half of his noncontract time organizing and
conducting training at the five-day AVID Summer Institutes; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed professional also serves as an
advisory board member of Stevens and Taft High Schools and as a
supporter of the Stevens High School Hawaii Club; he has presented
at several national mathematics education conferences and is a San
Antonio Urban Systemic Initiative Peer Teacher; and
WHEREAS, Children are the Lone Star State's most precious
resource, and a quality education is vital in order for our young
people to become successful adults; George McKnight demonstrates
the passion, determination, and enthusiasm that are the hallmarks
of our best teachers and administrators, and he serves as an
inspiration to students and colleagues alike; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate George McKnight on his receipt of
the 2009 Outstanding Educator Award from the Texas Caucus of Black
School Board Members and extend to him sincere best wishes for
continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. McKnight as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.