Houston ISD District 3 Trustee Manuel Rodríguez Jr.

Houston Independent School District Board of Education President Manuel Rodríguez Jr. will be recognized as the 2016 Pearl Award Honoree by the Hispanic Family Initiative on Friday, Oct. 14 during the Hispanic Family and Fatherhood Conference.

The Hispanic Family Initiative named Rodríguez as the 2016 Pearl Award recipient for his community service efforts and dedication to helping HISD families and students. The Hispanic Family Initiative is an organization that focuses on addressing issues facing Hispanic families in Houston and across the country. The organization’s annual Hispanic Family Conference brings together local professionals to Houston Community College for an opportunity to discuss the importance of fathers being engaged in their children’s education.

“I am honored to receive the Pearl Award from the Hispanic Family Initiative, and proud to be recognized for my service to the community,” said Rodríguez.  “I am also grateful to the HFI for its many efforts in support of families. As the father of four children myself, I applaud their emphasis on engaging parents in their children’s education. A parent is a child’s first and most influential teacher.”

Rodríguez, who represents District III of HISD, has been on the district’s Board of Education for 13 years. During his tenure, he has received the Houston East End Chamber Education Impact Award and been inducted into the National Hispanic Institute Hall of Fame.

“President Rodríguez is passionate about education and works tirelessly to ensure all of our students are receiving a quality education,” said HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza. “I’m incredibly proud he’s being recognized for his devotion to our community and students.”