[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E307-E308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2001

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, as we in Texas celebrate Public Schools 
Week, March 5-9, I wish to recognize the many achievements made by 
public schools in Texas. At a time when Congress is debating the merits 
of reforming education in this country, it is important that we 
recognize the progress that has been made in meeting the goals of our 
education system and to applaud the dedicated public servants who 
educate our children. As an educator and a former school board member, 
I have witnessed first hand the tremendous effort our teachers pour 
into every class, every hour and every minute with their students, and 
it is fitting that Texas recognizes their dedication during this 
special week.
  Public schools are the backbone of our education system. Ninety 
percent of the school age population nationwide attends public schools. 
A good, quality public education serves not only as a bridge to vast 
economic opportunities, but also as a foundation for our strong and 
prosperous democracy. Thanks to the hard work of teachers, counselors 
and administrators, Texas has made significant strides in its public 
education system, especially in student achievement.
  To continue on this path of success, we must offer more to our 
students and families than block grants and vouchers, which serve only 
to redistribute resources inconsistently and damage the democratic 
foundation of public schools. We must capitalize on our success and 
increase our efforts to modernize Texas classrooms, maintain a teacher 
ratio that places students in a personal learning environment with 
well-trained teachers, and ensure security and safety. The sad events 
this week in California remind us of the dangers in

[[Page E308]]

ignoring students' needs. Therefore, it is important that public 
schools be given the resources to recruit and retain professional 
counselors and social workers who not only aid students in their 
academic planning but also provide support and consultation to those 
students who may suffer from depression or mental illness. Every child 
in Texas deserves this and nothing less.
  As we chart our course in this new millennium, the education of all 
Texas children remains vital to our future. Texas Public Schools Week 
is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our past, our present, and our 
future.

                          ____________________