HR0956 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0956 LRB104 22111 MST 38285 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to commend Dr. Ronald "Ron" Perlman for his extraordinary lifetime of leadership, advocacy, mentorship, educational service, and enduring contributions to the people and communities of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman is the founder and retired president of The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning, an institution that, under his visionary leadership, became one of Illinois' leading organizations dedicated to educator professional development, bilingual education, multilingual learning, family engagement, and statewide professional advancement; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman has faithfully led The Center for 53 years until his retirement as president on June 30, 2025, dedicating his professional life to strengthening educational systems and expanding opportunities for educators, students, and families throughout the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman, through his advocacy, leadership, and direct work in educational policy, has helped shape and strengthen Illinois' educational landscape, particularly in the areas of bilingual education, multicultural learning, English language learner support, language access, educational equity, and educator training; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman is widely recognized for his involvement in developing the original Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) Act in the mid-1970s and helping shape bilingual education policy across the State; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman dedicated his career to building the infrastructure required to make the Transitional Bilingual Education Act successful; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman was instrumental in developing and leading several of Illinois' most recognized and impactful educational conferences and statewide learning initiatives, including the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation Conference, the English as a Second Language Conference, the Bilingual Parent Conference, and The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Conference, all of which strengthened professional learning, family engagement, advocacy, and educational collaboration across the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman, through these conferences, trainings, partnerships, and statewide initiatives, created spaces where educators, administrators, policymakers, parents, and community leaders could come together to advance educational opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve outcomes for future generations; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman served as a mentor, advisor, and source of inspiration to hundreds of educators, administrators, and educational leaders throughout Illinois, many of whom continue to carry forward his enduring commitment to educational excellence, leadership, and public service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman's leadership reflected a profound belief that education is one of the most transformative forces in society and that investing in educators, families, and communities strengthens not only schools but also the future of the State of Illinois itself; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman, throughout his distinguished life and career, has exemplified integrity, compassion, professionalism, humility, collaboration, and an unwavering dedication to educational advancement and public service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman, beyond his extraordinary professional accomplishments, has shared a life grounded in love, partnership, and family alongside his beloved wife, Lori, whose support and companionship have been an enduring part of his remarkable journey of leadership and service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman's legacy continues through the institution he founded, the educational systems he helped strengthen, the policies he helped influence, the leaders he mentored, and the countless educators, students, families, and communities whose lives have been positively transformed through his vision and commitment; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Dr. Ronald "Ron" Perlman for his extraordinary lifetime of leadership, advocacy, mentorship, educational service, and enduring contributions to the people and communities of the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we thank Dr. Perlman for his lasting impact on generations of educators, administrators, students, families, and community leaders across the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented Dr. Perlman as an expression of our esteem and respect.