[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 83 (Friday, June 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1033-E1034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO DR. ARTHUR MAYER ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______


                         HON. CALVIN M. DOOLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 1996

  Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise before my colleagues 
today to recognize a dedicated educator form my district, Dr. Arthur 
Mayer, on the occasion of his retirement.
  During my lifelong residence in Hanford, I have known few people more 
dedicated to the improvement of our schools than Dr. Mayer. Arriving in 
Hanford in 1979, he served as superintendent of Hanford Elementary 
School District until 1986. These were years of growth, and Dr. Mayer's 
leadership played an important role in improving the quality of Hanford 
Elementary schools.
  But it was at Hanford Joint Union High School District that Dr. Mayer 
has made perhaps his greatest impact. Starting as superintendent in 
1986, he embarked on initiatives to improve school facilities, 
establish new

[[Page E1034]]

management systems, restructure the curriculum, and set up an academy 
system that improved the interaction among the staff and the students.
  Because of these efforts, Hanford High School has been at the 
forefront of the restructuring efforts at the State and national 
levels, and has received several State and national recognitions.
  These efforts have paid off at the level that counts the most: 
student achievement. When Dr. Mayer started at the high school 
district, student test scores were in the lowest 25th percentile among 
State schools. Now, after 10 years of Dr. Mayer's leadership, the 
student scores are in the top 30th percentile. Knowing Dr. Mayer, I am 
sure this accomplishment is the one that he is the most proud of.
  I understand that although Dr. Mayer is retiring, he intends to 
remain involved in education continuing to teach college education 
courses. I, for one, certainly hope he does so--tomorrow's educators 
have a lot to learn from this distinguished superintendent.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a dedicated educator, who 
has always put the concerns of the children first, by congratulating 
Dr. Arthur Mayer on his retirement.

                          ____________________