[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      IN HONOR OF RICHARD P. MESA

                                 ______


                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 1994

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to take a few minutes to 
recognize Richard Pete Mesa's distinguished career of service to the 
schools and community of Oakland, CA.
  Appointed in 1990, Pete Mesa immediately began to implement solutions 
to the troubled Oakland Unified School District's numerous problems. In 
the last 4\1/2\ years, Mr. Mesa has overcome severe State budget cuts 
to balance the district's budget without resorting to district budget 
cuts, layoffs, or program cuts. He has established partnerships within 
the community to provide support for the school system, involving 
parents, government agencies, churches, businesses, and community 
organizations. Mr. Mesa established a general education plan, with the 
consensus of hundreds of staff, students, parents, and community 
activities. He has allowed for the expansion of Oakland's nationally 
recognized School-to-Work Academy Programs, which were recently honored 
by the President.
  Mr. Mesa is an active leader in the community, having increased the 
district's participation in local organizations and collaborating with 
those groups toward educational goals. He designed and instituted a 
core curriculum, increased classroom resources, and implemented a 5-
year plan. His relationship with labor has been exemplary, having 
avoided any large layoffs or strikes while maintaining peaceful 
communication.
  Mr. Mesa will be leaving the Oakland Unified School District this 
summer to move to Washington to lead a Federal program to improve 
science education in the Nation's largest cities. On June 23, 1994, Mr. 
Mesa's colleagues and friends will be holding a farewell reception to 
honor his commitment and accomplishments as OUSD superintendent. I 
would like to join with those who have recognized him for his excellent 
achievements.
  Richard Mesa will be sorely missed by the district and the entire 
community of Oakland. I wish him much happiness and success in all of 
his future endeavors.

                          ____________________