H.R. No. 1942
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Arnoldo F. Benavides is retiring as principal of
Freddy Gonzalez Elementary School in Edinburg on June 16, 2017,
drawing to a close a notable career in education that has spanned
more than half a century; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Benavides graduated from La Joya High School in
1960 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education
from The University of Texas--Pan American and a master's degree in
counseling and guidance from Texas Tech University; after beginning
his career as a teacher in the Edcouch-Elsa Independent School
District, he joined the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School
District in 1971; he subsequently served as director of the UTPA
Head Start Training Center for 12 years before returning to
Edinburg CISD in 1984; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his tenure, Mr. Benavides has
served the district in a variety of positions, including as a
counselor, curriculum specialist, teacher, and tutor; he was named
principal of the Edinburg Alternative Education Academy in 1988 and
appointed to the same role at Robert E. Lee Elementary School in
1992, and he has held his current position since 2004; under his
able leadership, Freddy Gonzalez Elementary has been accorded a
host of honors from such organizations as the Texas Education
Agency, the Texas Business and Education Coalition, and the
National Center for Educational Achievement, among many others; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Benavides has distinguished himself through
leadership positions with numerous professional organizations; he
has served as president of the local chapter of the Texas
Association for the Education of Young Children and as a member of
the National Head Start Association board; moreover, he has served
the Edinburg community as a city councilman and as mayor pro tem;
and
WHEREAS, Arnoldo Benavides has made a positive impact in the
lives of countless young Texans throughout his long and commendable
career with Edinburg CISD, and he may reflect with great pride on
his achievements as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his
life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Arnoldo F. Benavides on his
retirement as principal of Freddy Gonzalez Elementary School and
extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Benavides as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Canales
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1942 was adopted by the House on May
12, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House