83R25963 BK-D
By: Giddings H.R. No. 1914
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud community members are gathering in Austin on
May 8, 2013, to celebrate Lancaster Independent School District Day
at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Situated in southwest Dallas County, Lancaster ISD
serves more than 6,000 students in seven elementary schools, one
middle school, and one high school, as well as an alternative
learning center and a sixth-grade learning center that focuses on
instruction in science, technology, engineering, and math; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Michael D. McFarland, who became superintendent
of the district in May 2010, ably guides a staff of accomplished
administrators, teachers, and support personnel, all of whom are
committed to providing an outstanding education to area young
people; in recent years, Lancaster ISD has made remarkable progress
in closing achievement gaps, with pronounced improvements in such
areas as test performance and college and career readiness; and
WHEREAS, Based on data from 2011, the Texas Education Agency
awarded the district 20 Gold Performance Acknowledgements, the most
in the district's history, and assigned the "recognized" rating to
six campuses, marking another district record; the following year,
Lancaster ISD achieved membership in the Texas High Performing
School Consortium, becoming one of only 22 districts to earn that
honor, and received an Award of Distinction from the National
Institute for Excellence in Teaching; several campuses have
additionally won Title I National Distinguished School Awards; and
WHEREAS, Far from resting on its laurels, Lancaster ISD has
charted an ambitious path for the future; with the aid of a $4.8
million grant from the Texas Instruments Foundation, the district
plans to implement an advanced science- and technology-based
curriculum in each of its campuses and expects to become the first
all-STEM district in the state; and
WHEREAS, The Lancaster Independent School District has
excelled in its mission to foster a challenging and supportive
learning environment for young Texans, and the hard work and
dedication demonstrated by its faculty, staff, and students are
indeed worthy of commendation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize May 8, 2013, as Lancaster Independent
School District Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those in
attendance sincere best wishes for an enjoyable visit to Austin;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the district as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.