Senate Resolution 18

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE OF DR. LARRY BOX, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE STARKVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, after 34 years with the Starkville School District, and 13 years as Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Larry Box has officially announced his retirement to school board members; and

WHEREAS, his announcement comes only months after Dr. Box was selected as Superintendent of the Year 2002 by the Mississippi Association of School Administrators; and

WHEREAS, the recognition as Superintendent of the Year is a result of Dr. Box's tireless efforts to improve schools and there is no doubt that his vision, personal characteristics and skills have paved the way for a decade of significant accomplishments in the Starkville Schools; his success as a superintendent in this community is a significant story of a small town in the U.S. that provides a high quality, comprehensive education; and

WHEREAS, his vision, his leadership and character set the tone and pace for exceptional and significant academic results and accomplishments of the school district. He engages "stakeholders" in the district's planning process and thus creates an atmosphere and an environment for focused learning. This has resulted in a high quality, diverse curriculum which provides for continued growth in student performance on state tests. He encourages those around him to embrace change, accept challenges, take risks and solve problems in creative ways. High levels of parent and community involvement, successful votes on bond issues and consistent recognition of staff, programs and schools at state and national levels attest to his successful efforts; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Box stated that early in life he knew he wanted to be an educator. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Mississippi State University. His career includes tenures as a math teacher, principal and central office administrator. He entered school administration with the goal of providing high quality education opportunities for all children. His leadership style is a mix of structure and consideration. Organizational skills, vision and dealing with all individuals in a way that tells them they are valued and important has contributed to his successes. He enjoys being a part of the solution to problems; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. Box's administration, the district's accomplishments include: making National Board of Professional Teaching Certification a priority, 34 teachers now hold national certification; development of a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and funding and construction of the Noxubee Conservation Education Center at the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge; institution of a comprehensive approach to teaching reading that has produced consistent growth and resulted in selection for inclusion in a national Educational Television feature; produced three Presidential Awards for Math and Science winners; created Emerson Family School to serve adult education and preschool programs; developed a Professional Development Center to provide teacher-training programs and community education programs; established a program to honor distinguished alumni; partnered with the Starkville Foundation for Public Education to expand scholarship offerings to graduating seniors; built a nationally-recognized fine arts program; implemented a middle school team teaching concept at Armstrong Middle School, resulting in the school's inclusion in development of a national model for middle schools; initiated and completed a district-wide building program using combined funding sources; and much more; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the career of this excellent public school administrator who has brought honor to his school, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the legacy of public service of Dr. Larry Box, Superintendent of the Starkville Municipal Separate School District, upon the occasion of his retirement, and wish him and his family many successes in the future.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Box and his family, be forwarded to the Starkville School District Board of Trustees, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.