[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 26 (Wednesday, March 3, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S2019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NEW LEADERS FOR NEW SCHOOLS

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I want to take several minutes to comment 
on some good news from Tennessee, good news from Tennessee that 
underscores the importance of having a good, strong leader as principal 
of K through 12 schools.
  Last month, the national, nonprofit New Leaders for New Schools chose 
the city of Memphis to participate in its education program. Memphis 
joins other cities--Chicago and New York and Washington--as a 
participant in this new and innovative reform effort in education. The 
program is called New Leaders for New Schools. It is the brainchild of 
John Schnur, a young social entrepreneur and education expert. He came 
up with the idea while at Harvard Business School. His idea was to take 
concepts of business leadership and apply it to education K through 12.
  As we all know, every successful company is led by a successful CEO. 
Successful schools, in turn, are really no different. Great principals 
make for great schools. Really, it makes sense. New Leaders for New 
Schools trains outstanding individuals to become outstanding school 
principals. The program draws applicants from all walks of life, from 
former bankers and dot commers, to teachers and, indeed, retired 
principals. What they share is a deep belief in the potential of every 
child to succeed. These committed individuals are sent into urban 
school districts to turn around poor performing schools. As they prove 
their effectiveness, they can earn flexibility in hiring and carrying 
out reforms.
  In Memphis, New Leaders for New Schools will recruit and develop 60 
new principals over 3 years to serve in the public school system. City 
leaders are rightly excited about this great opportunity. The No Child 
Left Behind Act does set high standards, and a strong and effective 
school principal is key to meeting these goals.
  I should note that 45 percent of Memphis school principals are 
eligible for retirement in the next 3 years. Training the next 
generation of principals is critical.
  I am excited for the parents and the teachers of Memphis. I am 
especially excited for the schoolchildren of Memphis. With strong and 
motivated leadership at the top, they will have even more opportunities 
to realize their potential.
  Every child can learn. Every child can succeed. New Leaders for New 
Schools is one more step in moving our education system forward.
  I yield the floor.

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