HR0576 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0576 LRB095 12594 KXB 37884 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Frances "Fran" McConnell Williams, PhD, on her retirement as Principal of Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Paideia Community Academy in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Williams received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Illinois State University, her Master of Arts degree in Education from Loyola University, her Master of Science degree in Education from Governors State University, and her PhD in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction from the University of Illinois-Urbana; and

WHEREAS, Fran has served as Principal of Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Paideia Community Academy for twelve years; she has served the Chicago Public Schools as an educator for forty years, serving as counselor, teacher, and as assistant principal; and

WHEREAS, Fran has increased school attendance at Powell to 95% and above by instilling a respect for the school, for education, and for one's self; with her staff behind her, the reading scores of the school increased from 27% to 57%, and mathematics scores increased from 17% to 53%; and

WHEREAS, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Paideia Community Academy has been recognized by the Chicago Public Schools for six continuous years of school achievement and improvement; the school has reduced its mobility rate from 96% in 1996 to 40% in 2007; and

WHEREAS, Fran's outstanding work has been recognized by educational experts: she has received the Blum-Kolver Educators Award, the Distinguished Educators Award, the Outstanding Leadership of the Year Award in 2005; she was named Principal of the Year in the District for 2006, and has received six annual awards for the school's continuous annual improvements; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we thank Dr. Frances "Fran" McConnell Williams for her service, congratulate her on her retirement, and wish her continued success in her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Frances "Fran" McConnell Williams and to the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Paideia Community Academy as a symbol of our respect and esteem.