[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING DR. RUBEN ZACARIAS FOR 31 YEARS OF DEDICATION TO THE 
 EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF THE STUDENT'S OF THE LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a good friend, Dr. 
Ruben Zacarias, deputy superintendent of schools, Los Angeles Unified 
School District. Dr. Zacarias has demonstrated a life long commitment 
to the education of our children and will be recognized at a special 
ceremony sponsored by the California Legislative Latino Caucus and the 
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation on Friday, March 21, 1997.
  Dr. Zacarias began his service in education in 1966 in the elementary 
classroom of Breed Street School. Since 1966, he has held every major 
post in the Los Angeles Unified School District, including deputy 
superintendent, deputy superintendent of human resources and of parent 
and community services, associate superintendent of school operations, 
assistant superintendent of administrative region G, assistant 
superintendent of overcrowded schools, deputy area administrator, and 
school principal.
  Dr. Zacarias also has been instrumental in promoting key educational 
goals, such as the superintendent's call to action and the LEARN 
restructuring programs. He has led the district in parent empowerment 
and involvement, appointed as deputy superintendent of parent and 
community services. During his tenure as deputy superintendent 
responsible for race relation and as associate coordinator of 
multicultural education, he demonstrated his leadership in bridging 
race relations.
  While maintaining an active role in the district he has been an 
outstanding leader in the community, dedicating many hours to civic and 
community organizations. In 1995, Dr. Zacarias was appointed U.S. 
Commissioner to President Clinton's Advisory Commission on Educational 
Excellence for Hispanic Americans, serving as chairman of the K-12 
Committee. He was appointed, in 1996, by Mayor Richard Riordon, Los 
Angeles city commissioner to the Commission on Children, Youth and 
Their Families. He also has been a tireless advocate for our children's 
education on the boards and committees of numerous organizations 
addressing issues ranging from drug and gang prevention to bilingual 
and adult education.
  For his unparalleled commitment to educational excellence in the Los 
Angeles Unified School District, Dr. Zacarias has received numerous 
awards and recognitions. In addition to honors from the California PTA, 
UTLA, United Way, California Association for the Gifted, and California 
State University, Los Angeles, he has received formal resolutions from 
President Clinton, Secretary of Education Richard Riley, Governor Pete 
Wilson, the mayor and council of the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles 
County Board of Supervisors, and the California State Legislature for 
outstanding service to education and the community.
  Dr. Zacarias received his bachelor of arts degree from the University 
of Southern California, master of arts degree from the University of 
California, Los Angeles, and a doctorate of education degree from the 
University of San Francisco.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues assembled here to join me in 
recognizing my good friend, Dr. Ruben Zacarias, for his outstanding and 
invaluable service to the educational needs of all the children of the 
Los Angeles Unified School District and throughout the Nation.

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