[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 97 (Friday, June 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF DR. WAYNE D. LETT, SUPERINTENDENT OF NEWPORT NEWS PUBLIC 
                                SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT C. SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2003

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of 
Representative Jo Ann Davis and myself to recognize the outstanding 
service of Dr. Wayne Lett. Following 34 years of educational service, 
Dr. Lett will be retiring from his post as Superintendent of Newport 
News Public Schools on July 1, 2003.
  Dr. Lett's career has been devoted to education and his efforts have 
been important to the lives of countless young people in Newport News. 
His achievements have been recognized by both local and national 
organizations. In 2001, Dr. Lett was named Virginia Superintendent of 
the Year by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents. He has 
provided leadership in many urban school organizations and has served 
as President and Vice President of the National Association of 
Federally Impacted Schools.
  Dr. Lett's illustrious career in education began in 1969, following 
his graduation from East Carolina University with an A.B. in history 
and political science. He first served as a teacher, assistant 
principal, and personnel director in York County Public Schools. It was 
during this time that Dr. Lett earned his M.A. in history from Old 
Dominion University in 1972, a C.A.S. in education administration from 
the College of William and Mary in 1975, and an Ed.D in education 
administration from the same institution in 1984.
  Dr. Lett's tenure in Newport News Public Schools began in 1984. After 
serving in a number of different administrative positions for the 
school district, Dr. Lett was named Superintendent in 1996.
  Under Dr. Lett's leadership, Newport News Public Schools has made 
significant progress in the academic performance of its students. The 
number of fully accredited schools has risen from one to nineteen, 
access to rigorous coursework has been made a priority, tutoring and 
mentoring programs have been expanded, and the dropout rate has been 
reduced by more than 50 percent. During this time Newport News Public 
Schools has received more U.S. Department of Education ``Blue Ribbon'' 
designations than any other school division in Virginia. These are only 
a few of the many achievements that are the direct result of Dr. Lett's 
leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, Representative Jo Ann Davis and I would like to 
congratulate Dr. Lett on his distinguished service and thank him for 
his great commitment to the education of our youth.

                          ____________________