[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 87 (Monday, June 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO ALAN D. BERSIN

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 27, 2005

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring Alan Bersin, who this June will conclude his 
seventh year as Superintendent of San Diego City Schools. As such, he 
finishes his term of service as the nation's longest serving 
superintendent in an urban district of 100,000 or more students. He has 
served our community in Southern California with great distinction as 
United States Attorney from 1993-1998 and as the Attorney General's 
Southwest Border Representative from 1995 to 1998, the so-called 
``border czar.'' Superintendent Bersin has rendered distinguished 
public service in the course of leading the transformation of the 
eighth largest public school district in America.
  Under Superintendent Bersin's leadership, San Diego City Schools 
earning the highest academic rank increased by more than a third while 
the number of schools in the lowest category fell from 13 to 1. Mr. 
Bersin also promoted and successfully inspired 78.8 percent of the 
electorate to support a $1.5 billion bond to repair and renovate the 
physical infrastructure of the city schools. He downsized the central 
office to streamline operations and directed further resources to the 
classroom. His outreach efforts set a new standard for community 
participation and dialogue and helped to foster an atmosphere of mutual 
respect. By maintaining a relentless focus on enhanced instruction and 
improved student achievement, Superintendent Bersin achieved great 
things for public education in San Diego.
  Mr. Bersin oversaw a transformation of San Diego City Schools. The 
district is now better able to serve its students, their families and 
the broader San Diego community. The credit belongs to thousands of 
teachers and hundreds of school and parent leaders who were galvanized 
and energized by Superintendent Bersin's leadership. I am also pleased 
to announce that Mr. Bersin's service in support of public education 
will continue as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed him 
Secretary of Education for California and a member of the State Board 
of Education. His term commences on July 1, 2005. I want to offer my 
congratulations to Alan. He continues to exemplify public service and 
public servants at their best. I know my colleagues join me in wishing 
every success to California's new Secretary for Education.

                          ____________________