[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF VIRGINIA K. GRIFFIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 1999

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and recognize my 
friend, Virginia Griffin, for her 32 years of gracious public service 
to the city of Cincinnati, especially to the children of Cincinnati. 
After 32 years as an elected member of the Cincinnati school board, 
Mrs. Griffin had decided to retire so she can devote more time to her 
family. Although her decision to step down is understandable, her 
departure will create a void that will be very difficult to fill.
  A product of the Cincinnati public schools herself, Mrs. Griffin was 
first elected to the school board in 1967. She led the district through 
many tumultuous issues, including a contentious desegregation lawsuit 
shortly after her election, countless curriculum changes, and numerous 
levy campaigns.
  In the early 1980's, she played a key role in the development of the 
magnet school program to promote both racial balance and innovative, 
high-quality educational programming. She also is rightfully proud of 
the district's first alternative school--the German language academy. 
She has been a staunch protector of the district's magnificent art 
collection. She led the changes to keep this historic and unique 
resource intact. In fact, one of her last acts as a member of the 
school board was to make the Cincinnati Art Club in Mount Adams the 
caretaker of the collection.
  Her expertise in legislative and financial matters over the years 
made Mrs. Griffin an invaluable member of the Board, and it is in these 
areas that her departure will be most felt.
  Mr. Speaker, Virginia Griffin represents the best of public service. 
She served the city, especially its schoolchildren, with dignity during 
her 32 years of service. She deserves our thanks for a lifetime of work 
well done.

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