HR498 - Recognizing March 12, 2025, as South Texas ISD Day at the State Capitol.

      H.R. No. 498       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Proud representatives of the South Texas   Independent School District are gathering in Austin on March 12,   2025, in celebration of South Texas ISD Day at the State Capitol;   and          WHEREAS, Established by order of the state legislature in   1964, South Texas ISD began as a residential school in Edinburg for   students with disabilities, who at the time were excluded from   public education; during the 1970s, the district enrolled special   education students from Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties and   provided them with the opportunity to develop valuable life and   vocational skills while participating in sports and other   activities; today, the district continues to offer educational and   occupational training to individuals with disabilities through   full-time enrollment and half-day programs; and          WHEREAS, In 1982, the State Board of Education initiated   plans for the first magnet school in South Texas; two years later,   the South Texas ISD Health Professions high school opened its   doors, marking a significant milestone for the advancement of   career and technical education in the Rio Grande Valley; over the   next several decades, the district established six additional   magnet schools offering specialized learning environments,   including the South Texas ISD Science Academy, South Texas ISD   Medical Professions, South Texas ISD World Scholars, South Texas   ISD Preparatory Academy, South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy,   and South Texas ISD Virtual Academy; and          WHEREAS, An open-enrollment district, South Texas ISD   benefits from the able leadership of superintendent Dr. Marco   Antonio Lara Jr.; its schools are consistently ranked among the   best in the state and nation by Niche and U.S. News & World Report   and have made frequent appearances on Educational Results   Partnership Texas Honor Roll lists; four of its campuses have been   designated as Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of   Education, and the district has further been honored by Niche by   being highly ranked on its Districts with the Best Teachers in Texas   and Best Places to Teach in Texas lists for multiple years; and          WHEREAS, South Texas ISD serves as a model for quality and   innovation in public education for not only the State of Texas but   the nation at large, and its schools have helped countless young   Texans explore pathways to success that align with their unique   talents and career aspirations; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize March 12, 2025, as South Texas ISD Day   at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere   best wishes for a productive and enjoyable stay in Austin.     Martinez     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 498 was adopted by the House on March   12, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House