[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. ALEXANDER BAILEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Superintendent 
of Oak Park Public Schools, Dr. Alexander Bailey, who will retire June 
30, 2005.
  Dr. Alexander Bailey's career in education dates back to 1969 when he 
was a high-school teacher in Philadelphia, PA at Paul Washington High 
School. In subsequent years, Dr. Bailey continued his education, 
assumed building level responsibility as a principal, and ultimately 
was appointed Superintendent of Oak Park Public Schools in 1991.
  Under his leadership, Oak Park Public Schools has successfully 
designed programs and intervention methods to meet the needs of their 
school population. Programs and interventions such as extended day, the 
Oak Park Academy, and the Literacy Academy have been critical to 
advancing the academic achievement of students throughout the District.
  Dr. Bailey has been a very active participant in the community served 
by the School District. For example, Dr. Bailey was instrumental in 
developing the Oak Park Business Education Alliance. The Oak Park 
Business Education Alliance is a non-profit organization designed to 
build a relationship between the business community and the school 
district. To date, the Oak Park Business Education Alliance has 
provided countless volunteers for the district, over $100,000 in 
scholarship monies to Oak Park students, and has provided many career 
development opportunities in collaboration with local businesses.
  In his 36 years of service, he has been a truly committed and 
effective educator. Dr. Bailey dedicated his life to ensuring that 
students receive a fair and equitable education. He is indeed an 
outstanding public servant. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work on 
issues of common interest with Dr. Bailey and have always appreciated 
his frank and forthcoming advice based on his active experiences in the 
school and community. One could always count on Dr. Bailey to clearly 
articulate the challenges faced by our school system as well as the 
real impact of public policy decisions.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. 
Alexander Bailey on his years of service and in wishing him good health 
and happiness in the next phase of his life.

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