[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING SUPERINTENDENT GEORGE KELEDJIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2001

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Central 
Unified School District Superintendent George Keledjian. After many 
years of dedicated service to the district and the community, Mr. 
Keledjian has announced his plans to retire.
  George Keledjian has an extensive educational background and a 
remarkable life story. After completing high school in Cyprus, 
Keledjian attended the Teacher's Training Institute where he decided 
education would be his focal point. While teaching high school in 
Lebanon, he earned the equivalent of three dollars a month. After five 
years of teaching in Lebanon, he boarded a ship for Pasadena, CA. 
Keledjian then attended Point Loma Nazarene College. After four years 
of schooling he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, both in 
Education. He began working towards his Ph.D., but due to a serious car 
accident he was unable to obtain his degree. After many years teaching 
at a junior high school in Southern California, George Keledjian came 
to Fresno, CA in 1966. He became Principal at Madison Elementary School 
in 1971. In 1984, he accepted the position of Superintendent of Central 
Unified School District.
  In his 35 years with the district, Keledjian has overseen the 
building of five new schools and the renovation of many others. 
Performance on standardized test scores has increased to above state 
and county averages. Under George Keledjian's management, the 
district's General Fund remains financially solvent. He has also led 
many Central Unified schools to recognition for various awards. Two 
schools were recognized as California State Distinguished Schools; one 
school was recognized as a Bonner Foundation Virtues and Character 
School; two schools were recognized as 2000 Governor's Reading Award 
Recipients; and Central Unified's Future Farmers of America program is 
recognized nationally.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to George Keledjian for his 
accomplishments and his years of service to Central Unified School 
District. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing George Keledjian a 
happy retirement.

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