[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                              SUE LUTHENS

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, on Wednesday the Senate passed the 
conference report for the Improving America's Schools Act which 
includes a number of important provisions that impact our Nation's 
schools. I would like to highlight one change in this legislation and 
talk about the individual who brought to my attention the need to make 
this change.
  In the 1988 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
Act, we recognized the unique circumstances facing schools with high 
numbers or concentrations of poverty and created the Concentration 
Grant Program. Under this program, certain high poverty school 
districts would receive additional title I funds.
  The Des Moines Independent School District is the largest school 
district in Iowa. The district has the highest number of low-income 
children in Iowa as well as one of the highest concentrations of 
poverty. But, they do not substantially benefit from concentration 
grants.
  Over 5 years ago, Sue Luthens, a member of the Des Moines Board of 
Education brought this issue to my attention. She was on a mission and 
talked with any one who would listen about the need to change the 
concentration grant formula. She provided evidence about the district's 
need for the additional funding to adequately meet the needs of the 
students. She never gave up and I am very pleased to report that the 
formula has now been changed. For the 1996-97 school year, Des Moines 
should receive about $700,000 in concentration grant funding.
  This is the story of one woman's dedication to education and the 
students of Des Moines. So, if people say that one person can't make a 
difference, just tell them about Sue Lutherns.
  Sue served on the Des Moines Board of Education for 12 years and just 
retired from the board where she served as president for two terms and 
vice president for three. She also served on the board of directors of 
the Iowa School Boards Association and as chairperson of that 
organization's Federal relations network. She is a former high school 
teacher and has been involved in a number of other community 
activities.
  Sue Luthens is a remarkable woman and as she retires from the Des 
Moines Board of Education I wanted to just let her know that her many 
contributions to education and children have been recognized and are 
greatly appreciated. I know that she will continue to serve her 
community in other ways. But maybe, she will have a little more time to 
do the things that she really enjoys, like spend time with and read to 
her grandchildren.
  We thank you, Sue.

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