[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 82 (Wednesday, May 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO DR. RICHARD J. ZANINI

                                 ______


                        HON. BARBARA B. KENNELLY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 1995
  Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding 
educator, Dr. Richard J. Zanini of Wethersfield, CT, who is retiring in 
June. During his 35 years of service Dr. Zanini served as a teacher, a 
program specialist, a supervisor, and assistant superintendent. For the 
last 13 years, he has served as superintendent of schools in 
Wethersfield.
  Dr. Zanini was educated at the University of Massachusetts and at the 
University of Connecticut, where he received his Ph.D. in 1969. After 
serving in the army, he began teaching history and social studies in 
Connecticut in the early 1960's. He then helped shape Federal education 
policy as a program specialist at the U.S. Department of Education in 
Washington for 2 years before returning to the classroom.
  In 1972, Dr. Zanini became the assistant superintendent of schools in 
Hebron, Andover, and Marlborough. He served in a similar role in the 
Wethersfield school system for 5 years before becoming the 
superintendent in 1982.
  During Dr. Zanini's tenure in Wethersfield, several schools have been 
recognized for excellence. Wethersfield High School became a 4-year 
high school and won statewide recognition in 1983 and again in 1994. 
Silas Deane Junior High School received wide acclaim, including 
designation as an exemplary school by the U.S. Department of Education 
in 1991 and the kindergarten center received national accreditation in 
1993.
  Despite difficult economic times, Dr. Zanini hired outstanding 
administrators, teachers, and support staff, and ensured buildings were 
repaired in a timely manner. He always treated colleagues, parents, and 
students with respect and professionalism. We will all miss this 
respected leader who has worked so hard on behalf of students for so 
long.
  Dr. Zanini's leadership, attention to detail, thorough knowledge of 
State and Federal regulations, and his vision have served the 
Wethersfield district--and all his previous districts and schools--
well. We thank him for his dedicated service and wish him the best upon 
his retirement.


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