[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 89 (Friday, May 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    KILDEE HONORS DR. NATHEL BURTLEY

                                 ______


                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 1995
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to a great 
educator and a great man, Dr. Nathel Burtley upon his retirement from 
his outstanding service as Superintendent of the Flint Community 
Schools.
  Since 1988, Dr. Burtley has led the Flint Community Schools as 
superintendent. Prior to accepting the superintendency, Dr. Burtley 
served as deputy superintendent in Flint from 1981 through 1988. Before 
coming to Flint, Dr. Burtley served the Ypsilanti Public Schools for 5 
years in both the capacities of assistant superintendent for curriculum 
and instruction, and as interim superintendent. Dr. Burtley preceded 
his time in Ypsilanti in the Grand Rapids Public Schools where he was 
an elementary school principal for 4 years, briefly served as assistant 
high school principal, and as a speech pathologist. Dr. Burtley has 
served over 31 years in the field of public education.
  A native of Cairo, IL, Dr. Burtley earned a bachelor's degree in 1962 
and a master's degree in 1964 from Southern Illinois University. Dr. 
Burtley then went on to his beloved Michigan state University where he 
earned a doctorate in educational administration.
  Dr. Burtley is truly one of those individuals who has made a 
difference. Upon taking over the reins of leadership of the Flint 
Community Schools, he proceeded to work with the community and all 
employees of the district to review and completely remake the direction 
of the school system. This was a system that has been a world leader in 
the arena of community education; but was also a district, like many 
others, that needed to experience changes in the way it had done things 
in the past in order to insure the students who graduated were prepared 
for the world they were about to enter. Throughout the time that change 
was occurring in the system, Dr. Burtley continuously asked the 
question ``Is it in the best interest of kids?''
  Dr. Burtley will truly be missed by all throughout the Flint 
Community School system. I know his heart will remain with the school 
district and the future of each of its students.
  Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and pleasure for me to rise today 
to pay tribute to a great American educational leader. I know all 
throughout the State of Michigan and the city of Flint who know Dr. 
Burtley, and the entire U.S. House of Representatives, will join me 
today in honoring a great educator, Nathel Burtley.


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