[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 28, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S183-S184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RETIREMENT OF MICHAEL S. PINTO, SUPERINTENDENT OF MIDDLETOWN SCHOOLS

 Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, on January 31st, friends and 
colleagues will gather to honor Michael S. Pinto, who has served 
Middletown public schools for 36 years, and is retiring as 
Superintendent.
  Michael Pinto built his career in Rhode Island, just as he received 
his education in our state. He received degrees from Providence College 
and Rhode Island College, and pursued additional studies at the 
University of Rhode Island, Brown University, and Salve Regina 
University.
  For seven years, Superintendent Pinto worked with students as a 
classroom teacher, then as Supervising Principal for sixteen years. He 
served as both Coordinator of Elementary Education and Assistant 
Superintendent before being appointed as Superintendent of Middletown 
Schools in 1994.
  Michael has amassed an impressive record of public service. His work 
in the Middletown public school system is well known. But, he has also 
been involved with the Easter Seals Society, the YMCA, the Middletown 
Lions Club, the Rhode Island Senate Drug Advisory Committee, and many 
other worthy organizations.
  Mr. President, no one has worked harder or has shown more persistence 
on behalf of the Impact Aid program than Michael Pinto! Barely a month 
goes by without a letter from Superintendent Pinto reaching my desk, 
advocating the Impact Aid program and its importance in Middletown 
schools.
  Recently, a Newport Daily News article described Superintendent Pinto 
as an easy-going and amiable administrator.'' In fact, in the spirit of 
true compromise for the good of education and the community, 
Superintendent

[[Page S184]]

Pinto has said, ``[I'll] tell the School Committee that I'm not 
interested in a lot of 3-to-2 votes. I'll give up something for a 5-to-
0 vote.'' It is that quality--doing what it takes to reach a 
consensus--that has made him a successful leader.
  As Michael prepares for his private life away from the duties of his 
terribly demanding job, I want to congratulate and thank him for all 
that he has given to his community.

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