[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   TRIBUTE TO ROBERT ``BUD'' SPILLANE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 1997

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Representatives 
Tom Davis and Frank Wolf to pay tribute to Dr. Robert ``Bud'' Spillane, 
a distinguished educator and retiring superintendent of Fairfax County 
public schools. Dr. Spillane has managed, with great proficiency, the 
Nation's 12th largest school system, which encompasses 150,000 
students, 25,000 employees, 225 facilities, and a $41.2 million budget.
  During his 12 years with Fairfax County, Dr. Spillane has fostered 
and improved the school system's national reputation for excellence 
while the county has experienced growing student diversity. Ninety 
percent of all seniors take college entrance exams. Scores are well 
above national averages and dropout rates are low. Dr. Spillane has 
instituted rigorous academic standards and established high 
expectations for all students, lengthened the school day for secondary 
students, and focused on improving programs for early primary children.
  Dr. Spillane developed a teacher performance evaluation system, 
encouraged sitebased management initiatives and greater accountability 
measures. He cultivated strong support for education in the business 
community, which has led to expanded school partnerships. He launched 
an internationally recognized high school for science and technology.
  During a period of budgetary austerity in 1991, Dr. Spillane 
substantially reduced the number of central office personnel while 
improving organizational efficiency. More recently, he increased public 
school choice by fostering increased focus on magnet schools at the 
elementary level and other special programs in secondary schools.
  Dr. Spillane is the author of many papers and professional articles 
and a frequent speaker on educational issues. He has won many 
prestigious awards, including the 1995 Virginia Superintendent of the 
Year Award and the 1995 National Superintendent of the Year Award. He 
is currently in the process of writing a book tentatively titled, ``The 
School Superintendent of the Future,'' for Aspen Publishers.
  Mr. Speaker, parents, teachers, and former students wish Dr. Spillane 
the very best in all his future endeavors and share my appreciation for 
his dedication and service to the people of Fairfax County.

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