TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR BOB NORWOOD, FORMER CHAIRMAN AND MEMBER OF THE ROCK HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES, FOR SIXTEEN YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE TO THE SCHOOLS, PARENTS, AND STUDENTS OF ROCK HILL, AND TO WISH HIM WELL UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE BOARD.

Whereas, it is with great pride that the South Carolina House of Representatives honors those individuals who devote their lives to furthering the education of South Carolina's youth; and

Whereas, Bob Norwood, former chairman and member of the Rock Hill School District Board of Trustees, ranks high in their distinguished company as one of this state's most dedicated school board members; and

Whereas, after college, this Rock Hill native taught physical education and math at Castle Heights Middle School before moving on to teach physical education and driver's education at his alma mater, Rock Hill High. At both schools, he coached basketball, tennis, and football. He left teaching in 1981 to pursue a career in insurance sales; and

Whereas, sixteen years ago, Bob Norwood snagged a victory in a tight race for a seat on the Rock Hill School District Board of Trustees, thus beginning his long service with that body. In his four terms, during two of which he was chairman, he oversaw one of the district's most challenging transformational periods; and

Whereas, during his tenure, the school board reformed the way members are elected, diversifying the seven-member panel; ushered in the age of federal accountability and high-stakes testing; sought to balance schools' demographics by reassigning students; and added Rock Hill's third high school. In addition, the district built three elementary and three middle schools, created a school for four-year-olds, improved athletic arenas, clamped down in a budget crisis, outsourced cleaning and food services, saw its educators receive national acclaim, and embraced mobile technology; and

Whereas, having decided not to seek re-election this year, Bob Norwood recently retired from the school board, its October 24 meeting was his last; and

Whereas, his legacy, according to both colleagues and adversaries, is one of even-handed and responsive leadership, seasoned with a sense of humor. Herb Crump, president of the Rock Hill NAACP from 2004 to 2008, says of Mr. Norwood, "With all honesty, the longevity of his tenure confirms the effectiveness and legitimacy of his leadership"; and

Whereas, even in retirement from the board, Bob Norwood plans to keep working for the betterment of Rock Hill's children. He will be busy in his new role as director of All on Board, a local coalition that urges teens to be "safe and sober," which he helped launch. In addition, he hopes to play a little golf; and

Whereas, a loving husband and family man, Bob Norwood has been married to Debbie for thirty-eight years, and they have two wonderful children; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Bob Norwood who use their talents and resources to serve others. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Bob Norwood, former chairman and member of the Rock Hill School District Board of Trustees, for sixteen years of selfless service to the schools, parents, and students of Rock Hill, and wish him well upon his retirement from the board.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Bob Norwood.