Bill Text: MS SC677 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commend Lafayette County School Superintendent Mike Foster.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3)
Status: (Passed) 2011-03-31 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC677 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2011-SC677-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Tollison, Butler (38th), Jackson (32nd)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 677
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING LAFAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT WILLIAM M. (MIKE) FOSTER ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 32 YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.
WHEREAS, after a 32-year career in public education, serving as teacher, Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent, Lafayette County School Superintendent William Michael (Mike) Foster has announced his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Mike served as Assistant Superintendent at Lafayette County for 8 months before taking the position of Superintendent at Lafayette County in November 2002. Mike had served in the positions of teacher, Coach, Assistant Principal and Principal for 22 years; and
WHEREAS, major school accomplishments during his tenure include the following:
� Student enrollment increased from approximately 1900 to approximately 2600 students;
� A new elementary school, band hall, fine arts center, football field, baseball field and softball field were built;
� Renovations were made to athletic fields and the middle school. A ten-room addition to the high school was made;
� Roads entering the school campus were upgraded and improved;
� Budget increased; and
� Level 5 school during his tenure; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the Lafayette Athletic Department was recognized across the state for achievements, not only in the athletic arena, but in the classroom as well. Eleven varsity sports teams had a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average, also recognized this year as the number one ranked athletic program in the State of Mississippi in Class 4A and number six overall. Lafayette has been ranked in the top 10 programs in 4A for the past 3 years. The athletic facilities are some of the best in the state. They have a coaching staff of 31 teachers, which covers 12 middle school sports and 16 varsity sports; and
WHEREAS, Lafayette had 14 of 16 varsity sports advance to the State Playoffs, with 6 teams making it to the Final 4, also had 2 State Runners-up and a State Champion. This year at the State Cross Country Meet, the Girls Cross Country Team came in second while the Boys Team came in sixth. Also, the Volleyball Team went to the Final 4. The 8th Grade Football Team was undefeated this year with an 8-0 record. Last year the High School Football Team was the runner-up for the State Championship and this year they won the State Championship with a 16-0 record; and
WHEREAS, during Mike's tenure, the following won State Championships: 2004, Cheerleading; 2006, Baseball; 2009, Boys' Power Lifting; and 2010, Football; and
WHEREAS, Mike Foster served on the following professional committees: Northwest Community College Board for 10 years, Human Rights Board at North Mississippi Regional Center for 10 years, Chamber of Commerce Board for 3 years, Workman's Compensation Board, Mississippi School Board Association for 5 years, and various other committees with the State Department of Education. He presented as the Mississippi School Board Association Conference in 2011 discussing the topic of "Changing from Elected to Appointed Superintendents"; and
WHEREAS, Mike is a lifetime resident of Lafayette County. He is married to the former Ruth Bundren and have four children: Jay, LeAnn, Amy and Amanda. Mike, Ruth and all of their children are graduates of Lafayette High School. Mike received his bachelors and masters degrees from The University of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we salute this professional educator and administrator who has brought honor to his school district, his community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend Lafayette County School Superintendent William M. (Mike) Foster on the occasion of his retirement after 32 years of educational leadership and service and extend our best wishes to Mike and his family for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mike Foster, forwarded to the Lafayette County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
