[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 61 (Thursday, May 14, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF DR. H. JAMES MAHAN

 Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, it is my pleasure today to 
take a few minutes to honor the career of a champion of public 
education, Dr. H. James Mahan, as he retires from the position of 
Superintendent of Homewood School District Number 153 in Homewood, 
Illinois.
  For 15 years, Dr. Mahan has led Homewood School District #153 down a 
path of educational excellence and innovation. In 1984, the district 
had 1,450 students and 90 professional staff members. Today, there are 
2,240 students and 180 professional staffers. During this period of 
expansion, Dr. Mahan worked to ensure that the quality of education in 
his school district improved as well.
  Under his stewardship, district schools have twice been named Blue 
Ribbon Winners by the United States Department of Education. This 
success is in large part due to the sound educational principles that 
have been the basis of Dr. Mahan's leadership. He has developed 
meaningful physical improvement plans, initiated the use of the 
Internet and other technology as classroom tools, and he has encouraged 
local businesses and organizations to provide his district's students 
with hands-on learning experiences through internships and mentoring 
programs. Furthermore, Dr. Mahan has instilled in his schools the 
principles of fiscal prudence, good discipline and teacher development.
  Dr. Mahan's commitment to public education and to the students of 
Homewood School District #153 are commendable and serve as a model for 
others to follow. I congratulate Dr. Mahan on this milestone of his 
career, and wish him good luck and Godspeed in all of his future 
endeavors.

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