[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 26 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E271-E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF LONNIE R. ANDERSON--WHITLEY COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF 
SCHOOLS AND WINNER OF F.L. DUPREE AWARD FOR EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO 
                               EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2000

  Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, we often hear about grand, universal plans 
for making positive changes in our nation's public education system. 
None of these plans, however, can substitute for the daily effort of 
educators working at the local level. It is these dedicated 
professionals, in tens of thousands of local school districts across 
the nation, who bear the responsibility for touching the lives of the 
students in their communities. These educators hold the key to the 
transformation of our nation's system of education--one student at a 
time.
  Today, I want to honor one such professional in Whitley County, 
Kentucky. The Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) has recognized 
my constituent, Whitley School Superintendent Lonnie R. Anderson, for 
his distinguished service to the field of education. He has been 
awarded the KBSA's annual F.L. Dupree Award for exemplary contributions 
to education. The family of the late F.L. Dupree, Sr., a Lexington 
businessman and supporter of Kentucky public schools sponsors the 
award.
  Superintendent Anderson has worked tirelessly for the parents and 
students served by the Whitley County School District over the past 
nine years. Through his hard work and dedication, he has been a driving 
force in

[[Page E272]]

bringing about positive changes in the school district, as well as the 
surrounding community.
  Lonnie Anderson accepted the school district's top job in 1991 when 
the district ranked last among Kentucky's 176 public school districts 
and the county schools were required to be under state management. In 
1999, after nearly a decade of Superintendent Anderson's leadership, 
the Whitley County School District was measured as one of the top 
districts in the state for academic improvement. During this period, 
the district has twice earned ``rewards'' rankings through the state's 
system of school assessment and accountability.
  Superintendent Anderson is an alumnus of Cumberland College, Union 
College, and Eastern Kentucky University. He began his education career 
as a classroom teacher and coordinator of the gifted and talented 
program in Whitley County. Through a total of 17 years with the school 
district, he has also served as athletic director, food service 
director, Chapter I coordinator, and public relations coordinator.
  In a recent article in the Corbin (KY) News-Journal, Anderson is 
credited with the following achievements for the Whitley County School 
District:
  Augmented the district's reading curriculum with the Accelerated 
Reader Program and the Reading Coaches Program, which pairs high school 
students with at-risk second and third-graders. Anderson also employs a 
district reading specialist, established the Even Start Family Literacy 
Program for parents of young children and initiated a summer reading 
program.
  Directed a school facility modernization effort that built three new 
elementary schools and established an alternative school. The program 
also resulted in a new science wing, library and kitchen at Whitley 
County High School and renovated a middle school and four elementary 
schools.
  Developed the Parents as Volunteer Educators Program (PAVE), in which 
600 parents now participate.
  Implemented a cash management program that increased earnings on 
investments from $52,545 in 1990 to $332,986 in 1999.
  Introduced an energy program with a utilities cost avoidance of over 
$150,000 since its implementation in 1998.
  Established a newspaper for the school district, The District Ed 
News, that spotlights student and school achievements and is 
distributed to every household in the district.
  Initiated HEROES (Honoring Educators/Staff Recognizing Outstanding 
and Extraordinary Services) to honor staff members for years of service 
to the district.
  United five separate adult education providers into one comprehensive 
program now serving twice the number of people.
  One principal who supported Superintendent Anderson's nomination of 
this prestigious award correctly described him as ``an agent of 
positive change'' for the Whitley County School District.
  I join educators, parents and students in Whitley County and across 
Kentucky in congratulating Superintendent Lonnie R. Anderson for being 
selected for this distinguished award and recognize his outstanding 
leadership and continued contribution to public education.

                          ____________________