Bill Text: MS HR155 | 2013 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Claude Hartley; commend for his exceptional service in the field of public education.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2013-04-10 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR155 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2013-HR155-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2013 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Holland, Aldridge, Turner
House Resolution 155
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING CLAUDE HARTLEY FOR HIS EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE IN THE FIELD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO BETTER THE LIVES OF THE CHILDREN OF OUR STATE.
WHEREAS, Claude Hartley of Tupelo, an independent entrepreneur, investor and long-time champion of improving public education in Mississippi, retired as a member of the State Board of Education in June, 2012 after 12 years of dedicated and honorable service on the board; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hartley was born in Lumberton, Mississippi, and graduated from Lumberton High School, then joined the U.S. Army as a volunteer in 1949 and became a member of the elite 82nd Airborne Division, and after serving in the army, he returned to Mississippi and attended Pearl River Community College and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from college, Mr. Hartley's first job was as a sales and marketing field representative in Tupelo for Standard Oil Company, and he worked in various other businesses in Tupelo until his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hartley began his many years of contributions to public education in the state with his appointment to the Tupelo School Board in 1984, serving as a member for 10 years and playing a key role in the early 1990s in the passage of what was then the largest school bond issue ever passed in the state, which resulted in a new Tupelo High School and other needed expansions in the school district; and
WHEREAS, a master at helping build coalitions in order to get things done for children, Mr. Hartley also proved to be a steady force in implementing cutting edge technology initiatives and an enhanced curriculum in the Tupelo schools, putting the district at the forefront of educational advancements that continue to serve students well in today's technologically savvy world; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, Governor Musgrove appointed Mr. Hartley to serve a three-year unexpired term on the State Board of Education, and afterward he was appointed to a full nine-year term, serving as chairman of the board from 2006 to 2008, and his influence on the board during somewhat turbulent times was instrumental in implementing a major accountability system that has had a profound impact on Mississippi students in all districts; and
WHEREAS, the foundation of Mr. Hartley's passion for education is his simply stated belief that "all children are important," and he strongly feels that working for ego satisfaction does not serve the interests of children or public education, saying that "it's about children and learning, not who gets the credit"; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hartley's guiding principles throughout all of his years of service working to improve public education in Mississippi were that he always made policy decisions based on what he believed was right, and every decision of his was made in the best interest of children; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his deep involvement with education, Mr. Hartley and his wife Sara Nell have been actively and selflessly involved in numerous community, civic and church activities, and he is the former chairman of the Lee County Democratic Party; and
WHEREAS, those who have worked together with him consider Mr. Hartley to be a very positive, progressive thinker who enjoyed pushing the envelope and who was one of the finest statesmen ever to serve Mississippi schoolchildren; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor selfless and talented individuals such as Claude Hartley, whose commitment, diligence and hard work in the field of public education have been of great benefit to the people of State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we commend Claude Hartley for his exceptional service in the field of public education to better the lives of the children of our state, and extend our best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Claude Hartley and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
