[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         TRIBUTE TO LANSING SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT BILL SIMPSON

                                 ______


                       HON. GEORGE E. SANGMEISTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 1994

  Mr. SANGMEISTER. Mr. Speaker, it is with pride and sadness that I 
rise today to salute Bill Simpson. Pride, because of the outstanding 
job that Mr. Simpson has done as the school superintendent of Lansing, 
and sadness, because May 20 marks Mr. Simpson's retirement.
  Mr. Simpson began his career in Lansing as principal of Memorial 
Junior High School in August, 1967. Two years later, he was promoted to 
assistant superintendent of schools, and in April 1970, he was 
appointed superintendent of schools.
  During his tenure, he has provided decisive leadership in numerous 
difficult situations. These include the demolition of a school 
building, the closing of two elementary schools, changes in school 
boundary lines and several construction and remodeling programs. Faced 
with severe financial constraints, he planned and implemented a budget 
that maximized resources and was in the best interest of the children 
of Lansing.
  Among Mr. Simpson's many accomplishments is an untarnished record of 
successfully negotiating every contract with the Lansing Education 
Association without any disruption to class schedules. for 24 years, 
his interpersonal skills, coupled with a sincere interest in the 
welfare of employees and their families, have served to keep morale 
high among teachers, parents and students. Under his leadership, the 
district recently passed the first successful tax referendum in almost 
30 years.
  Mr. Simpson holds a bachelor of arts degree from St. Ambrose 
University, a master of science degree from Western Illinois University 
and has done postgraduate work at Purdue University. Prior to his 
employment in Lansing, he was a teacher and coach in Bettendorf, IA, 
and Moline, IL, and a school administrator in Davenport, IA. He also 
served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force, was a salesman for EMCO, and was 
a realty officer for the General Services Administration.
  As his professional career draws to a close, Mr. Simpson is looking 
forward to spending more time with his wife, Martha, and his five 
children, Craig, Steve, David, Brian, and Catherine.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill Simpson's fingerprints have touched nearly 
everything we are proud of about the Lansing School System in the last 
three decades. In appreciation of the work he has done, and in 
commemoration of his retirement, I would like to declare May 20, 1994, 
Bill Simpson Day in the village of Lansing, IL.

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