RR-DRC Letter to Editor iph Denton , ,R , ' Letters to the editor, June 20
Rodriguez deserves honor
Denton ISD has a new middle school. I propose naming it in honor of Dr. Rudy
Rodriguez for his advocacy and contributions in increasing the educational
outlooks for all children of Denton ISD.
Dr. Rodriguez is highly recognized across the state of Texas and nationally for
his contribution in establishing the first major bilingual/ESL teacher education
programs at Texas Woman's University and at the Denton and Dallas UNT
campuses. including securing federal grant support for the programs.
Rudy joined with colleagues in the 1970s and 1980s in forming the Texas
Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) and the Bilingual-ESL Education
Association of the Metroplex (BEAM). He is also well known among his
colleagues for his production of the video on the "History of Texas Bilingual
Education: Celebrating Our Legacy" and publications in the education of English
learners.
Rudy was the first Latino to serve on the Denton ISD board of trustees. During
his six-year tenure, he joined fellow board members and district administrators to
support policies and programs focused on the growing diversity of DISD children.
Rudy has served on bond election committees, the Denton Community
Development Board, the Denton Housing Authority and the 2010 Census Count
Committee. He also serves on the Denton County History and Culture Advisory
Committee.
I highly recommend that DISD Middle School No. 8 be named Dr. Rudy
Rodriguez Middle School.
Isabella Pina-Hinojosa,
Denton