[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 123 (Wednesday, August 24, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO MAXINE SCHOCHENMAIER

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to a distinguished 
South Dakotan whose efforts to improve the education of our young 
people have been truly exemplary. For 18 years, Maxine Schochenmaier 
worked for the South Dakota Department of Education. She served as 
South Dakota's main liaison between the National Association of 
Federally Impacted Schools [NAFIS], and the Department of Education. 
More than 50 South Dakota school districts utilize funding from the 
Impact Aid Program. Maxine worked to secure the maximum funding for 
school districts that lost tax revenue due to the presence of a Federal 
Government activity.
  Each State has an individual or group of people responsible for 
working with the NAFIS to secure funds for its impacted districts. 
Obviously, the better they do their job, the more schools in their 
States can benefit from this program. Judging by the comments of her 
colleagues, Maxine stood out as one of the most accomplished and well-
respected State program administrators in the country. She maintained 
the delicate balance among education, politics, and the administration 
of a complex program.
  According to her coworkers, Maxine's integrity and objectivity were 
always an asset when searching for new and better ideas about how to 
administer the Impact Aid Program. When formulating policies or 
resolving conflicts, her straightforward and insightful views always 
were refreshing.
  Maxine balanced her drive to secure funding with an integrity that 
should be an example to everyone who works with the Federal Government. 
On one hand, Maxine did everything possible to maximize impact aid 
benefits for South Dakota schools. On the other, she balanced her 
efforts on behalf of South Dakota with an appreciation for the fact 
that this program affects all the States, and that each has an 
important and valid area of need.
  I believe this program is no less important now than when it was 
created after World War II. Since its enactment in 1951, the Impact Aid 
Program has grown until today it benefits more than 2 million students 
across the country. In order to continue its effectiveness, I have 
worked to ensure the construction portion of the Impact Aid Program is 
maintained. Out-dated equipment and deplorable school facilities in 
many parts of the country are distracting from the effective learning 
environment vital to providing children with an adequate education.
  Maxine's efforts were vitally important because education is the key 
to the future success of any nation and is one investment Congress can 
always be sure will be worthwhile. I have greatly enjoyed the 
opportunity to work with her and have benefited from her 
professionalism and expertise as we try to maintain the effectiveness 
of the Impact Aid Program.
  In South Dakota, Maxine's devotion to the many small schools that 
rely on impact aid funding has been instrumental in maintaining our 
standing as one of the top States in educational performance. For her 
tireless efforts, the students and citizens of South Dakota owe her a 
huge debt. Through her steadfast commitment to helping children receive 
a quality education, Maxine made an investment in South Dakota's young 
people which will pay dividends far into the future. I commend Maxine 
Schochenmaier for all her efforts and wish her the very best in her 
retirement from South Dakota Department of Education.

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