88S30888 CJM-D By: Buckley H.R. No. 49 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The retirement of William S. Harlan as superintendent of the Academy Independent School District on December 31, 2023, offers a fitting opportunity to reflect on his outstanding record of achievement; and WHEREAS, Over the course of his 28-year career in education, Billy Harlan has held a number of roles, including special education teacher, head coach, and elementary and secondary principal; moreover, he served Corsicana ISD as executive director of extracurricular programs, executive director of human resources, assistant superintendent, and chief administrative officer, and he worked as an assistant baseball coach for Navarro College and Dallas Baptist University; and WHEREAS, Mr. Harlan joined Academy ISD in 2019; during his tenure, he played a vital role in passing a $79 million bond package, acquiring the new Academy High School site, implementing leadership training programs, and establishing the Academy ISD Education Foundation and the district's Career and Technology Education Advisory Committee; in recognition of his accomplishments, he was nominated for the Texas Association of School Boards Superintendent of the Year award in 2022; and WHEREAS, This esteemed educator holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M University and a master's degree in health and physical education from The University of Texas at Tyler; and WHEREAS, Through his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, Billy Harlan has helped many young Texans acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed, and his contributions will be remembered and appreciated for years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate William S. Harlan on his retirement as superintendent of the Academy 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 Mr. Harlan as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.