[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 148 (Tuesday, December 5, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF JEFF HORTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2000

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, it is with utmost pleasure and privilege 
that I rise today to recognize Mr. Jeff Horton, a leader in educational 
reform and an outstanding educator from Los Angeles, California. His 
efforts on behalf of the children of Los Angeles and the State of 
California will be remembered and appreciated for generations to come.
  A native of California and graduate of La Habra High School, Mr. 
Horton's commitment to education began over 30 years ago. After 
receiving his bachelor's degree from Yale University in 1970, Mr. 
Horton embarked on his journey as an educator by teaching English in 
Florence, Italy. He went on to teach English, Speech, and Reading at 
Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles from 1975 to 1989. Mr. Horton's 
dedication to the Los Angeles community has not been limited to the 
classroom; he has championed efforts to desegregate our schools, 
establish an independent civilian police review board, and expand adult 
literacy programs. Eventually, Mr. Horton's drive to improve the 
quality of education for all children inspired him to run for elected 
office.
  Jeff Horton was first elected to the Los Angeles Unified School 
District's Board of Education in 1991 and was reelected in 1995. 
Students in his district hailed from some of the most diverse urban 
areas of Los Angeles--from Hollywood, Koreatown, Silver Lake and Echo 
Park to West Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.
  As a board member of the largest school district in California, Mr. 
Horton served as Chairman of the Board's curriculum standards for six 
years. He initiated the practice of publicly recognizing schools for 
academic achievement and attendance. In addition, Mr. Horton was 
intimately involved in the development of district-wide learning 
standards for all academic subjects. These learning standards were 
adopted by the school district in June of 1996 and are currently under 
consideration by the State of California.
  As a passionate advocate for disenfranchised children, Mr. Horton 
actively fought to protect the special needs of child abuse victims. 
During his tenure as a board member, he was instrumental in securing 
funds for the school district's child abuse office. In doing so, Mr. 
Horton made it possible for children with special needs to always have 
a place to turn for safe and confidential assistance.
  In 1999, Mr. Horton was appointed to the Los Angeles County Board of 
Education and currently serves as the President of the California 
School Board's Association. As a board member he has brought with him 
30 years of outstanding experience, educational commitment and 
compassion. Jeff Horton's legacy is one that we should all praise and 
celebrate. He is a living reminder to us of the powerful changes one 
person can make in society.
  Mr. Speaker, along with family and friends of Jeff Horton who 
gathered at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach, California on Wednesday, 
November 29, 2000 to celebrate 30 years of educational commitment and 
professionalism, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to 
join me today in saluting this exceptional man and good friend.

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