[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 3091-3092]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF BROWNSVILLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 2, 2015

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
Anniversary of Brownsville Independent School District (BISD).
  In March 1915, the Texas House of Representatives and Senate both 
approved a measure transferring control of the city's public education 
to the newly created BISD. Prior to the establishment of a school 
board, the City of Brownsville maintained control of the school system. 
The Brownsville Board of Trustees met for the first time on March 25, 
1915, and was presided by Board President Dr. J.L. Wortman.
  The newly established Brownsville Independent School District 
included Brownsville High School, City Grammar School, the Blalack 
School, the Las Matanzas School, the Media Luna School, the Nopalita 
School, the Linerro School, and the West Brownsville School. 
Superintendent of Schools Lizzie M. Bardour and several trustees 
continued their service as the schools transitioned from city to board 
control, and the board instituted a new curriculum that included the 
creation of a department of domestic economy and an improved science 
department complete with a full skeleton.
  Today, BISD is made up of 58 schools serving 50,000 students and 
employing 7,200--making the school district the largest employer within 
a 95-mile radius in the Rio Grande Valley. Of the 58 schools, there are 
7 high schools, 11 middle schools, 37 elementary schools, and 3 
alternative schools. One of the schools, Filemon B. Vela Middle School, 
was named after my father who was a Brownsville native and served as a 
U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of Texas. The 
school district maintains a rich cultural heritage and prepares 
graduates to pursue higher education and careers including medicine, 
engineering, science, technology, mathematics, and law enforcement.

[[Page 3092]]

  BISD is also an active member of the U.S. Chess Federation, and is 
nationally recognized as one of the top chess programs in the nation. 
Several years ago, BISD students were featured on HBO's ``Real Sports'' 
with Bryant Gumbel showcasing the program. The school district is a 
powerhouse, taking students of all grade levels to compete in 
tournaments around the nation.
  Through rigorous academic programs such as early college high school, 
extracurricular activities ranging from band to estudiantina to actors 
guild, and highly competitive sports--whether football, soccer or 
swimming--BISD is leading its students, faculty and staff to new 
heights. BISD is a trailblazer in its own right and worthy of 
recognition as it reaches this important milestone.
  The continued growth in the student population and number of schools 
has not changed the original mission of BISD, which is to help students 
become better stewards of society. Mr. Speaker, this month Brownsville 
Independent School District celebrates its 100th Anniversary and 
prepares for the next 100 years with continued dedication to providing 
all students with a high quality education.

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