HR0149 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0149 LRB098 07105 GRL 42343 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to honor Dr. Robert Willis for his work as the Interim Superintendent of Rockford Public Schools and congratulate him on his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Following his parents' dream of having their children become the first in their families to attend college, Robert Willis earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Springfield College in 1963; he subsequently pursued his master's degree in school administration from Seton Hall University and another master's degree in physical education from the University of Minnesota; he later earned his doctorate degree in educational administration from the University of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Willis has had a long and distinguished career in education; he began his career teaching physical science and biology and coaching varsity football in the town where his entire family was raised; he was subsequently hired as the principal of an inner city elementary school in St. Paul, Minnesota and later, led school districts in Minnesota and South Dakota before becoming superintendent in Rock Island and Des Plaines; and

WHEREAS, As superintendent, Dr. Robert Willis worked to develop a clear vision for those school districts, improving student performance, creating innovative year-round schools, and pushing for the use of new technology to advance and improve the learning experience for students and staff; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Willis expanded his educational reach as a consultant and trainer, creating community visions for several Illinois school districts, helping institutions build parent partnerships to improve student learning in No Child Left Behind schools, and teaching graduate level courses at National-Louis University and Northern Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Willis led his Leadership Team in the effort to formulate a vision for all children built on a foundation of goals called Readiness Rocks, which include College and Career Academies, Seven Periods to Success, Preschool for All, 21st Century Learning Environments, and College for All; and

WHEREAS, During Dr. Robert Willis' tenure, preschool enrollment increased by 600 students for a total enrollment of 2,400 three and four year olds during the 2012 school year; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Willis led the effort for the district's school board to reduce property taxes by $18 million for the 2012 tax levy to provide property tax relief for district taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Willis was instrumental in the community effort to pass the November 2012 general election referendum, which gave the Rockford School District authority to proceed with the largest and most comprehensive building renovation and improvement plan in the district's history; the first phase of the plan will result in $212 million worth of school improvements over 5 years; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Willis has led his school community with dignity, honor, and respect using a "servant leadership" approach; and

WHEREAS, In 2006, Dr. Robert Willis began serving as Executive Director of the Rock River chapter of the American Red Cross; under his leadership, the chapter grew to represent more than 500,000 people in the Rock River Valley; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Willis was the recipient of the Illinois State Board of Education's "Break the Mold" award, a distinction that honors extraordinary innovation and commitment to educational leadership; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Willis and his loving wife of 48 years, Judy, have 3 children and 6 grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Willis serves as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor Dr. Robert Willis for his work as the Interim Superintendent of Rockford Public Schools, congratulate him on his retirement, and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Robert Willis as a symbol of our esteem and respect.