[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 13 (Thursday, February 10, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO THOMAS A. BOBO

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, In October, former Montgomery, AL school 
Superintendent Thomas A. Bobo was honored here in Washington for his 
work as a ``congressional advocate'' for the National Association of 
Federally Impacted Schools [NAFIS]. NAFIS is a coalition of school 
systems that serve students whose families have ties to the Federal 
Government as employees, contractors, or residents of federally owned 
housing projects. Through a program known as ``impact aid,'' the 
Government provides additional funding to the schools serving these 
students.
  Tom Bobo, who has served as State chairman, regional chairman, vice 
president, and national president of the organization, received its 
Founders Award at the annual conference last fall. The Founders Award 
is a way to honor those like Tom who have done so much on behalf of the 
impact aid program.
  Tom's qualifications and experience as a leader and advocate of 
education are impeccable, and he is considered a moving force behind 
the impact aid program. In addition to serving as NAFIS president, he 
has testified on numerous occasions before the House and Senate 
appropriations subcommittees dealing with education funding.
  Tom's career in education began 33 years ago with the Montgomery 
public school system as a classroom teacher. He served as Federal 
projects director, assistant superintendent, associate superintendent, 
and ultimately superintendent beginning in 1986. In 1991, he was named 
Superintendent of the Year by the Alabama Parent Teacher Association. 
He retired last summer after serving for 7 years.
  During his tenure as superintendent, Tom was known among faculty 
members, parents, and community leaders for supporting the PTA; for 
being an effective advocate for children; and for actively seeking 
parental involvement in their children's education. He made a 
significant contribution in areas such as curriculum development and 
instruction; school system management; student activities programs; 
transportation and other support services; and school physical plant 
grounds. He remains a fixture in the spiritual and civic life of his 
community.
  I am proud to comment and congratulate Thomas Bobo for his many 
dedicated years as an advocate for impact aid and public education in 
general. Even in retirement, he will remain an inspiration in the quest 
for Federal education programs.

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