[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO DR. DAVID BENSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE BLUE VALLEY SCHOOL 
                     DISTRICT IN JOHNSON COUNTY, KS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 2, 2004

  Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize Dr. David 
Benson, who is retiring this month as superintendent of the Blue Valley 
School District in the Third Congressional District of Kansas. Since 
1993, Dr. Benson has led this outstanding school district, which has 
experienced exponential growth in facilities and in students. All the 
while, the district has continued to score exceptionally on all 
standardized tests and by any other measure of school excellence is one 
of our nation's outstanding school districts. I am lucky to represent 
in Congress some of the best schools in the United States, and many, 
many of them are in the Blue Valley District.
  During his time at Blue Valley, the district has grown by 8,000 
students. This phenomenal growth required two successful bond 
campaigns, led by Dr. Benson, and the construction of two new high 
schools, four middle schools, and six elementary schools. A seventh 
elementary school will open next fall. During Dr. Benson's tenure, the 
average growth in Blue Valley enrollment was larger than the total 
enrollment of most Kansas school districts!
  During his years at Blue Valley, the district developed new programs, 
including foreign language programs for all elementary schools, a 
broadcast technology program, a new Wilderness Science Center (with 
wetlands and prairie environments), an alternative high school program, 
and a program to teach independent living skills to students 18 to 21 
with moderate to severe disabilities.
  In 2001, Dr. Benson was named Kansas Superintendent of the Year by 
the Kansas Association of School Administrators. In 2000, he was 
selected as Communicator of the Year by the Kansas School Public 
Relations Associations. His leadership extends beyond the education 
community. Recognizing the importance of the business community's 
support for public education, Dr. Benson has served as a board member 
for the Greater Kansas City and Overland Park Chambers of Commerce, and 
also served as president of United Community Services in 1999 and 2000.
  Dr. Benson began his career teaching high school in Joplin, Missouri. 
He has served in various capacities in Salina, Moundridge, Junction 
City, and Kingman, Kansas, school districts; and also served as 
superintendent in both Fort Madison, Iowa, and Moundridge, Kansas. I 
know each of these districts has benefited from this outstanding public 
educator.
  I wish Dr. Benson and his wife Donni the very best in their new 
community. While Dr. Benson will be missed by all students, teachers, 
staff, and patrons of Blue Valley, the district will continue under the 
excellent leadership of Dr. Tom Trigg, currently the Deputy 
Superintendent of Administrative Services for Blue Valley.

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