The HISD Board of Education honored the late District III Trustee Manuel Rodríguez Jr. by naming the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center auditorium The Manuel Rodríguez Jr. Board Auditorium during their monthly agenda review meeting on Monday.

Rodríguez, who passed away this month, served as a board member for 14 years. He was elected to the board in 2003 and held every office, including assistant secretary, second vice president, first vice president, and president of the Board of Education.

“The HISD Board of Education wanted a way to recognize Trustee Rodríguez,” said Board President Wanda Adams. “It’s important his family knows that HISD values the years he served on the board and his dedication to public education.”

Rodríguez was a champion of dual credit and credit recovery programs, as well as blended learning that put laptops in the hands of high school students. He also facilitated the establishment of the successful Maritime Academies at Austin, his alma mater, and Yates high schools, and he aided the creation of Liberty High School to serve older immigrant students.

Rodríguez also worked diligently to support the Milby High School community during the 2012 Bond Program. He also was instrumental in providing the new campus with a swimming pool.

Services set for Trustee Manuel Rodríguez

“The decision the board made today clearly showcases the amount of respect board members have for Trustee Rodríguez,” said Superintendent Richard Carranza. “From now on, every time anyone walks into the board auditorium, they will be reminded of a man who dedicated years to helping our students.”

The Board of Education will hold a naming ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 10, before the regular board meeting. There will be a pre-reception at 4 p.m., followed by a ceremony at 4:30 p.m., in the main foyer of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. Please RSVP to ywences@HoustonISD.org by Aug. 8.