[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO ROBERT C. JASNA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute today to one of 
Milwaukee's truly outstanding citizens, and one of America's top 
educators. As the Milwaukee Public Schools joins with friends 
throughout Wisconsin to honor superintendent of schools Robert C. Jasna 
on the occasion of his retirement, I would like to take a moment to 
reflect on Bob's remarkable career and his many contributions to public 
education in Milwaukee and our community as a whole.
  A native of Milwaukee, Bob Jasna earned his degree from the 
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and soon began his teaching career 
at Lincoln Elementary School in Appleton, WI. Bob then served his 
Nation as a platoon leader in the Army. Following his military service, 
Bob returned to Milwaukee and the classroom as a teacher at Juneau 
Junior/Senior High School, and quickly began to rise through the ranks 
of the Milwaukee Public Schools System. From 1973 to 1987, Bob served 
as principal at West Division, North Division, James Madison, and 
Riverside University High Schools, where the impact of his unique and 
innovative methods of teaching and leadership are still clear today.
  In July 1989, Bob became associate superintendent of the Milwaukee 
Public Schools, and by 1991 he had become deputy superintendent. Since 
1995, Bob has served as superintendent of the Milwaukee Public Schools, 
supervising all activities of the school system, and providing 
leadership and management expertise at every level of the system.
  Let me be clear about the undeniable role Bob Jasna has played in the 
improvement of public education in Milwaukee's public schools. Under 
his steady hand, the Milwaukee Public School District has embraced a 
series of highly acclaimed reforms which have already made a difference 
in the quality of education in our schools. Through the implementation 
of rigorous standards, students are now challenged to pass a series of 
proficiency examinations, and graduation requirements have been 
strengthened. Our students have met these challenges, and continue to 
achieve progress.
  Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Bob Jasna is 
immediately struck by his passion for education, and by his belief that 
all children should be able to receive a top notch education, 
regardless of their economic standing. Bob's hands-on approach to his 
job as the leader of the Milwaukee Public Schools has made a real 
difference in the lives of our teachers, and more importantly, our 
students. In an era of declining resources, aging school 
infrastructure, and student violence, Bob Jasna has been a beacon of 
leadership and hope for our schools.
  I want to extend my good wishes to Bob's wife Judith, and his two 
children. Bob will be missed by our schools, but I have no doubt that 
Bob will enjoy his retirement and will continue to maintain an active 
presence in our community. Congratulations, Bob Jasna, on this most 
special occasion.

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