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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CONGRATULATING RICH MORRIS ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 41 YEARS IN EDUCATION
WHEREAS, Donald Richard “Rich” Morris was born on August 31, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Donald and Margaret Helen Morris; and
WHEREAS, Rich Morris grew up in the Ashburn neighborhood with his siblings, Kathy Frank, Mary Devens, Patricia Derrig, Eileen Danovich, and late Charles Morris; and
WHEREAS, Rich Morris married Diane Morris on July 29, 1988 and became the lovely father of Cathleen, Kerry, Molly, and Bridget Morris; and
WHEREAS, Rich Morris graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor in Elementary and Special Education from Northern Illinois University; in 1983, earned a Masters degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC); and in 1987, a Masters in Administration and Supervision from Roosevelt University; and
WHEREAS, Rich Morris graduated in 1980, worked in Nicholson and Dumas Schools. Began as a substitute teacher and later became full-time position teaching cross-categorial, upper-grade special education in a self-contained classroom; and
WHEREAS, Rich Morris became the Principal at Burroughs Elementary in April 30, 1990, and went on to severe for 31 years in this role, and
WHEREAS, under his leadership, Burroughs Elementary became the top achieving school in the Brighton Park neighborhood and has a 1+ rating; and
WHEREAS, Rich Morris’ outstanding leadership was recognized by Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and Burroughs Elementary was selected to be part of CPS's Independent School Principal program, which is designed for high-performing principals who can ensure continued strong performance with minimal oversight from the district; and
WHEREAS, Under Rich Morris’ leadership, Burroughs Elementary was the first school to partner with Brighton Park Neighborhood Council (BPNC) as part of the Full-Service Community School Initiative; and
WHEREAS, Rich Morris has mentored several principals in the area, and dedicated time to built community leadership; and
WHEREAS, Rich Morris provided significant leadership to the Brighton Park Neighborhood Network (BPNN) through serving on the steering committee, and worked hard to build a culture at Burroughs Elementary in which children, families, and the community are at the center of decisions that are made; and
WHEREAS, after 41 years in education and commitment to his community, Donald Richard “Rich” Morris is retiring.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby congratulates Donald Richard “Rich” Morris on 41 years in education and wishes him a happy retirement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Donald Richard “Rich” Morris.
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