[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 32 (Friday, March 20, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2370-S2371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF BARBARA M. WHEELER

 Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, it is my special privilege 
to take this opportunity to honor a woman from my home state of 
Illinois who has spent her career fighting to improve public education. 
For almost 25 years, Barbara M. Wheeler has served the students, 
teachers, and schools of Illinois as a champion of public education. 
Recently, her devotion and hard work was recognized by her peers when 
she was named President of the National School Boards Association.
  Ms. Wheeler began her extraordinary career of public service by 
earning an undergraduate degree in Non-Western History from Saint 
Dominic College in 1969. In 1972, she received her Illinois Teaching 
Certificate from Elmhurst College. In 1974, Ms. Wheeler joined the 
Community High School District 99 Board of Education in Downers Grove, 
and served as President from 1976 to 1987, and again from 1994 to 1995. 
In 1980, Ms. Wheeler graduated from the Depaul University College of 
Law, and served as an Assistant State's Attorney in Cook County from 
1980 to 1982 before going into private practice.
  While practicing law, Barbara Wheeler's service to the community 
continued. She has been an active member of the Illinois Association of 
School Boards, serving in 18 different positions including President 
(1987-1989) and Vice President (1985-1987). Additionally, Ms. Wheeler 
has spoke on educational matters before convention audiences around the 
nation, and has advised and consulted many groups, including the 
Chicago Board of Education, 57 school districts across Illinois, the 
New York School Boards Association and the Institute for Educational 
Leadership.

[[Page S2371]]

  For her outstanding leadership and achievements, Ms. Wheeler has 
received awards from the Illinois State Board of Education, the 
Illinois Association of School Administrators, and the Illinois 
Association of School Boards.
  Education is not the only field which benefits from Ms. Wheeler's 
talent and energy. She also unselfishly volunteers her time with 
worthwhile groups such as the Illinois Department on Aging, George 
Williams College, the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce and the Downers 
Grove YMCA. Ms. Wheeler is also a member of the Chicago Bar 
Association, the Illinois Bar Association and the American Bar 
Association.
  Barbara Wheeler commands a high level of respect from educators in 
Illinois and around the country, and her broad understanding of the 
issues and challenges facing public education demonstrates the level of 
excellence that she will bring to the office of President of the 
National School Boards Association. Her advocacy in behalf of our 
nation's students and schools is a model of action for all Americans to 
follow. I congratulate her on her recent appointment, and wish her good 
luck and Godspeed.

                          ____________________