HR0600 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0600 LRB099 12838 MST 36656 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Dr. Ed Hightower retires from his position as Superintendent of Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 as of July 1, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hightower became Superintendent of District 7 in 1996; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure as Superintendent, Dr. Hightower has fostered the growth of District 7 from 5,000 students to over 7,000 and has developed it into one of the top school districts in the State of Illinois--academically, athletically, and in the performing arts; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hightower has supervised over $160 million in school construction; and

WHEREAS, From 2009 to 2010, Dr. Hightower raised over $3 million in private donations to construct a wrestling center; and

WHEREAS, From 2012 to 2013, Dr. Hightower raised over $1 million in private donations toward the Technology in the 21st Century Classroom Initiative; and

WHEREAS, From 2013 to 2014, Dr. Hightower raised over $5 million in private donations to construct an aquatic center with an Olympic-sized swimming pool; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hightower's collaborative work with Lewis & Clark Community College helped build a joint-use, $23 million facility for both Edwardsville High School and Lewis & Clark Community College; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hightower's educational awards include: the Illinois Distinguished Principals Award in 1989, the Who's Who of American Educators in 1992, the Illinois Principal of the Year Award in 1993, and the National Distinguished Principals Award in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hightower's service awards include: the Elijah P. Lovejoy Human Rights Award in 1990, the Illinois Jaycees 10 Outstanding Young Persons Award in 1990, and the Trails West Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 2007; he was named to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Hall of Fame in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hightower has served as Trustee on 4 different boards, including: the Lewis and Clark Community College Board with 20 years of service, the St. Anthony Hospital Board with 18 years of service, the Edwardsville Rotary Club Board with 19 years of service, and the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees with 12 years of service, where he helped facilitate SIUE's promotion to an NCAA Division I sports program; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hightower has received a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree in education administration; his education, experience, and dedication to the people of Edwardsville has enabled him to advance the lives of children and propel his community forward for over 19 years; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois and Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 are fortunate to have had Dr. Hightower serve as Superintendent; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Dr. Ed Hightower for the outstanding achievements and contributions he has made to Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Hightower and Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 as a symbol of our respect and esteem.