SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 87 WHEREAS, Dr. Ken Helvey is retiring as superintendent of the Allen Independent School District on September 27, 2013, bringing to a close an outstanding 30-year career in the field of public education; and WHEREAS, Since assuming his current post in 2006, Dr. Helvey has ably guided a fast-growing school district through a succession of important developments; with the passage of two bond packages that approved extensive facility additions and renovations, area students are now served by new elementary schools, a performing arts center, a career and technology center, and the recently built Eagle Stadium, and Allen Independent School District has been awarded the state's high rating of "recognized" or "exemplary" each year since 2008; and WHEREAS, An Allen native and an alumnus of Tarleton State University, Dr. Helvey completed his master's degree at Texas A&M University-Commerce and his doctorate at the University of North Texas, where he has also been an adjunct faculty member; he began teaching in the 1980s in the Anna, Celina, and Denison school districts and also coached athletics for a number of years; from 1988 until 1995, he worked in Sadler as a teacher, head football coach, and athletic director; and WHEREAS, Dr. Helvey next served as assistant principal and director of finance and technology at Graham Independent School District, and then as assistant superintendent for Nacogdoches Independent School District before moving to Allen Independent School District as assistant superintendent in 2001; he fulfilled his duties in that office for five years until he was selected as Allen Independent School District superintendent; and WHEREAS, The Allen Independent School District has gained immeasurably from Dr. Ken Helvey's visionary leadership and his commitment to creating a superior learning atmosphere for young Texans, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor him on his notable achievements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby congratulate Dr. Ken Helvey on his retirement as superintendent of Allen Independent School District and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Dr. Helvey as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate. Paxton ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 25, 2013. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate