87R20673 CW-D
By: Longoria H.R. No. 718
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Art Cavazos is retiring as superintendent of the
Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District on June 30,
2021, drawing to a close an exceptional career in education that has
spanned well over three decades; and
WHEREAS, Taking on the role of superintendent of Harlingen
CISD in 2013, Dr. Cavazos brought a wealth of knowledge to his new
position, having joined the district in 2001 as assistant
superintendent for secondary education and then earning promotion
to interim superintendent and deputy superintendent for
transformation and school support; among his many achievements, he
has overseen the adoption of the Strategic Plan, which develops
communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking
skills while emphasizing early childhood literacy; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Cavazos also directed the implementation of a
robotics initiative and a career and technical education redesign
that have created authentic learning experiences in science,
technology, engineering, and math, as well as in health services,
media, arts communications, nursing, and teaching; moreover, he has
guided the opening of new campuses and dual language academies and
the digitalization of classrooms, and his sound fiscal management
has enabled the district to address facility needs without
incurring debt as a result of the Tax Ratification Election; and
WHEREAS, A nationally recognized leader, Dr. Cavazos was
selected by the U.S. Department of Education in 2014 to participate
in the inaugural National ConnectED Superintendents Summit at the
White House; two years later, he was appointed by Governor Greg
Abbott to a six-year term on the State Board for Educator
Certification; in addition to receiving the Distinguished School
Administrator Award from the American Association of School
Librarians and an excellence in leadership award from Teach For
America, he has been named a Texas PTA Superintendent of the Year
and a National Speech and Debate Association Gulf Coast
Communicator of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Cavazos began his career with Edinburg
Consolidated ISD in 1987; he next worked for McAllen ISD as a math
teacher, counselor, and principal, and he went on to serve as
director of secondary education for Mission CISD; he holds a master
of education degree from The University of Texas-Pan American and a
doctorate in education from The University of Texas at Austin; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan's vision, dedication, and
commitment to excellence have greatly benefited the students of
Harlingen CISD, and he may indeed reflect with pride on a career
well spent; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Art Cavazos on his retirement
as superintendent of the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School
District 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 Dr. Cavazos as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.