[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 175 (Monday, December 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING ILLINOIS SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR DR. JAMES ROSBORG, 
         SUPERINTENDENT OF BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS SCHOOL DISTRICT

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing Dr. James Rosborg, Superintendent of Belleville 
Public School District No. 118 and his being named the State of 
Illinois School Superintendent of the Year.
  In his tenth year as superintendent, James Rosborg has achieved 
success by consistently building a climate of collaboration with 
teachers, students, the school board, parents, and community leaders to 
benefit all students in his district. These efforts have resulted in 
some of the highest school district test scores in the State of 
Illinois. In addition, Belleville District No. 118 schools have 
received Golden Spike Awards, State and National Blue Ribbon Schools 
Awards, the national AFT-Saturn/UAW Collaboration Award, and most 
recently, the Northern Illinois University's Spotlight Awards for 
theiracademic achievement.
  Dr. Rosborg is no stranger to awards and commendations. He is a past 
recipient of the Illinois Master Teacher Award, the Illinois State 
Board of Education ``Those Who Excel'' Award, the Illinois State Board 
of Education ``Break the Mold'' Award, and the Boy Scouts of America's 
Russell C. Hill Award for outstanding contribution to character 
education. This year he was selected as the 2004 Illinois School 
Superintendent of the Year and will join representatives of all 50 
States and U.S. overseas schools in the National Superintendent of the 
Year award competition in February 2004.
  The key to Jim's success is his capacity to help every student 
achieve, regardless of ability. He takes the opportunity to meet with 
children, read to them, and listen to what they have to say. Jim 
operates under the principle that each of his actions as superintendent 
should be based on ``what's best for the kids.'' He also draws on his 
vast experience in education serving as a teacher, coach, guidance 
counselor, principal, and assistant superintendent before assuming the 
position as superintendent. The Illinois Association of School 
Administrators has recognized his strong leadership skills by selecting 
him as Illinois' Superintendent of the Year.
  His service extends beyond District No. 118 boundaries. Dr. Rosborg 
has served as an adjunct college professor to both St. Louis University 
and Lindenwood University. He is the Illinois Association of School 
Administrators' representative on the State Test Task Force concerning 
the No Child Left Behind Act and serves on the Illinois Association of 
School Administrators Board of Directors. Further, Dr. Rosborg leads an 
educational team in District No. 118 that has been recognized by the 
Illinois State Board of Education, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and the 
Belleville News-Democrat for high state test scores and quality 
instructional programs. In addition, he collaborated on a textbook, 
``What Every Superintendent and Principal Needs to Know'', which was 
co-authored with Dr. Max McGee and Mr. Jim Burgett.
  Under his guidance and direction, the district has completed five new 
buildings and provided computers in every classroom and computer labs 
in every school. In addition, all 12 facilities in the district are 
air-conditioned, when just 5 years ago, only two of the facilities had 
air-conditioning.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Rosborg has the uncanny ability to communicate 
effectively and always encourages others to take ownership of the 
educational process. He is a great advocate for children, families and 
what is right. He leads by example and puts his own family and faith in 
everything he does. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
service and the achievements of Dr. Jim Rosborg and wish him and his 
family the best in the future.

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