85R13387 BPG-D
By: Longoria H.R. No. 563
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Many proud representatives from the La Joya
Independent School District are gathering in Austin on February 27,
2017, in celebration of La Joya ISD Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, A rapidly growing district, La Joya ISD includes 23
elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 6 high schools, as well as
the College and Career Center, the Academy of Health Science
Professions STEM, and two other academies; the administration has
worked tirelessly to encourage more young people to pursue higher
education, and to date, students in dual-enrollment courses have
received more than 44,000 hours of college credit; in addition,
students in career and technology programs have earned over 2,000
certificates; and
WHEREAS, More than 94 percent of students graduate with a
recommended or distinguished achievement diploma, and the
four-year dropout rate is less than three percent; in the most
recent year, the district received the "Met Standard" rating from
the Texas Education Agency; it offers a well-rounded curriculum,
and students have excelled in such areas as band competitions and
the ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair; and
WHEREAS, The district benefits greatly from the vision and
expertise of superintendent Dr. Alda Benavides, who was named 2015
Superintendent of the Year for Region 1 by the Texas Association of
School Boards and was ranked among the top five superintendents in
the state; under her leadership, La Joya ISD has invested
significantly in technology, science laboratory materials,
employee and student wellness, and safety; moreover, the district
added 10 new school buses; teachers, hourly employees, and
administrators all received raises in consecutive years, yet
property taxes were not increased; the district has received
approval for a natatorium, a student resource center, and a new
employee health clinic building; the school board was named Region
1 School Board of the Year and was selected as a Top Five Honor
Board; and
WHEREAS, The education of young Texans is a vital enterprise,
and the La Joya Independent School District has demonstrated a
strong commitment to providing a challenging and supportive
learning environment to prepare its graduates for future success;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 27, 2017, as La Joya ISD Day
at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere
best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.