[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 38 (Friday, March 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SIDNEY A. THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 21, 1997

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, May 18, 1997, the Los Angeles 
Unified School District [LAUSD] family will gather at the Ritz-Carlton 
Hotel in Marina Del Rey to pay homage to their leader Superintendent 
Sidney A. Thompson. Sid, as he is affectionately known by his 
colleagues, family, and many friends, is retiring from the school 
district after a distinguished and exemplary career spanning more than 
40 years. An educator's educator, I am privileged to count him as my 
friend, and am pleased to share this brief retrospective of this 
extraordinary individual with my colleagues.
  Born in Los Angeles, CA, on May 9, 1932, Sid attended Dayton Heights 
Elementary School, Virgil Junior High School, and graduated at the age 
of 16 from Belmont High School.
  After graduation, Sid was faced with genuine conflict concerning his 
career choices. Imbued with a deep love of the sea, yet keenly aware of 
the necessity and importance of a college education, he arrived at the 
perfect solution to combine both dreams. He successfully passed the 
entrance exam for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings 
Point, NY, but was forced to sit out the year since he was not yet 17.
  Sid graduated from the academy in 1952 with a bachelor of science 
degree and soon thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Navy, rising to the 
rank of lieutenant. He was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Rochester during 
the Korean war.
  Following his tour of duty, he returned to Los Angeles. In 1956 he 
joined the faculty of Pacoima Junior High School where he taught 
mathematics, rising to department Chair. While at Pacoima, he entered 
California State University, Los Angeles, earning a master's degree in 
school administration in 1960. His assent to greater heights and 
responsibilities was just beginning.
  In 1965, Sid was named Assistant Principal at Maclay Junior High 
School. Four years later, he became Principal of Markham Junior High 
School and from 1971-1976, served as Principal of Crenshaw High School. 
His impressive administrative and managerial skills led to his 
promotion in 1976 to the post of Deputy Area Administrator for area 2. 
This position was followed in fairly rapid succession by a series of 
increasingly responsible positions within the school district's 
administrative offices.
  On October 5, 1992, Sid became the 42d Superintendent and the first 
African-American to lead the Nation's second largest school district. 
His appointment catapulted him into the limelight as he confronted the 
mammoth challenge of overhauling and restructuring the school 
district--a move directed at concentrating greater decisionmaking 
authority at the local school level.
  An affable and forthright individual, Sid has worked diligently with 
community groups and with local, State, and Federal officials in 
pursuit of his goals. He has been a strong, forceful, and effective 
advocate on behalf of children and viable educational policies designed 
to enhance their potential for future academic success.
  Mr. Speaker, as the 19th century English essayist John Ruskin once 
noted, ``The first duty of government is to see that people have food, 
fuel, and clothes. The second, that they have means of moral and 
intellectual education.'' I would submit that by his exemplary career 
and example, Sid Thompson embodies this principle. Largely because of 
his dedication, his love of education, and his leadership, the children 
of Los Angeles are better prepared to face the challenges of the 
future.
  I am, therefore, proud to have this opportunity to congratulate him 
on his outstanding contributions to the citizens of Los Angeles. He has 
been a true champion of quality education for all children, and his 
presence at the helm of the Los Angeles Unified School District will be 
sorely missed.
  As Sid prepares to embark on what I trust will be a long, prosperous, 
and healthy retirement, I wish him and his lovely wife, Julia, calm 
seas and cloudless skies as they sail aboard their beloved sailboat 
``Havarim.'' Thank you Sid. Well done, my friend.

                          ____________________