[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 28, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E44]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 TRIBUTE TO THE LAS VIRGENES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

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                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 1998

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the members 
of the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education for 
their service and dedication to the children of our community.
  John Dewey once wrote that ``Education is not preparation for life; 
education is life itself.'' The board members of this district have 
committed themselves to ensuring our children receive the best 
education possible, and therefore the most productive and fulfilling 
life possible. They are one of 12 school boards throughout the state of 
California in which all its members have earned their Masters of 
Boardmanship; a process which involves a rigorous course of 
professional development. Recently, the entire board was one of only 11 
school boards recognized by the California School Boards Association 
for this accomplishment. This achievement is especially noteworthy 
because there are more than 1,000 school boards in the state.
  Recent accomplishments attributed to the hard work of our board 
members include the passage of a $93 million Facilities Bond with an 
overwhelming majority vote. The board was also able to reduce class 
sizes for grades K-3 without hurting other programs. As a result, our 
children will receive the attention that is necessary to ensure that 
all students work to their full potential. In addition, a model 
computer technology training lab has been established for all staff 
members, and a policy was created which requires all students to pass 
algebra and geometry prior to graduation.
  Schools in the Las Virgenes Unified District are consistently 
recognized for their commitment to excellence. A ``California State 
Teacher of the Year'' has been chosen from this district for the past 
two years, and ten of the district's schools have been recognized as 
California Distinguished Schools, National Blue Ribbon Schools and 
National Blue Ribbon Nominees. These accomplishments are a testament to 
the fact that the school board has established and maintained standards 
of excellence--standards to which other schools should aspire.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring the 
members of the Board of Education for the Las Virgenes Unified School 
District: Amy Berns, Barbara Bowman-Fagelson, Judy Jordan, Charlotte 
Meyer and Larry Rubin. These individuals have selflessly dedicated 
their time and energy to our community, and collectively they have 
worked to improve the standard of education that is received by our 
children.

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