2011S0373-1 02/10/11
By: Watson S.C.R. No. 29
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Austin Can! Academy, a dropout recovery charter high
school serving at-risk students of Travis County; and
WHEREAS, Austin Can! Academy was established to give local
students a second chance to succeed in their education; 95 percent
of the student population at Austin Can! Academy is considered
at-risk and 95 percent of the students are economically
disadvantaged; 33 percent of the students have limited English
proficiency and 25 percent are in special education classes; and
WHEREAS, The academy has been rated an academically
acceptable school by the Texas Education Agency; the school's many
partners in the community include the Austin Symphony Orchestra,
the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Rotary Club,
Austin Community College, and The University of Texas School of
Social Work; and
WHEREAS, The success of the school is reflected in the growth
of its number of graduates; five students graduated in 2003, and in
2010, 62 students graduated; in addition, during the tenure of its
principal, Dr. Joe Gonzales, there has been an 80 percent increase
in college enrollment; and
WHEREAS, Austin Can! Academy is a valuable asset to the City
of Austin and Travis County; through its relationship-based
education and training, it provides its students with the
opportunity to earn a high school diploma and make a new start in
life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby commend the teachers, staff, administrators, and community
partners of Austin Can! Academy for their efforts to help the young
people of Travis County achieve a high school education; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for
Austin Can! Academy as an expression of esteem from the Texas
Legislature.