Tennessee PTA Chooses Norris as Outstanding Legislator of the Year
February 16, 2005


NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- State Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) has been recognized by the Tennessee Parent Teacher Association (PTA) as the 2005 Outstanding Legislator of the Year. The award was presented at the PTA Awards Banquet during the organization’s legislative conference held in Nashville last night.

“We fully support Senator Norris’ efforts in getting a special school district designation for Shelby County Schools,” said Shelby County Council PTA President Harla Johnson. “He continually supports family involvement in education.”

Norris, elected to his second term last year, represents Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale and Dyer counties. The Shelby County Council nominated him for this award.

“Maintaining a focus on education issues is critical for the legislature,” Norris said. “And organizations like the Tennessee PTA that stress family involvement in our schools are essential to positive change.”

During his first term in the Tennessee Senate, Norris sponsored legislation promoting recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. He led the fight to recover Medicaid funding withheld from school districts across the state. Last year, Norris received national recognition for his efforts to crack down on the public display of obscenity in motor vehicles.

In Shelby County, Norris is credited for his ongoing effort to pass special school district legislation which could strengthen the Shelby County Schools and facilitate restructuring of the Memphis City Schools.

The Tennessee PTA’s mission is to support and speak on behalf of children and youth;
to assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children; and to encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools.