[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E537-E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF JEAN BURNS SLATER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible career of 
one of my constituents, Jean Burns Slater, of Hollister. Jean is 
retiring as superintendent of San Benito High School after a 34-year 
career in education. I believe that education is critical to the 
strength of our Nation. The children who are in our schools now will be 
leading our country before we know it. I am grateful to Jean for her 
hard work in this department.
  In Jean's 3\1/2\ years as superintendent of San Benito High School, 
she has made great improvements to the district and kept a strong focus 
on the well-being of her students. She has improved the lines of 
communication between the district, staff, students and the community. 
She has brought about the introduction of a leadership team and a 
superintendent's advisory council for parents who choose to take an 
active role in their children's education. She understands that the 
people in the community need to have a voice in the education of their 
youth, and she is confident that this has been achieved in her 
district.
  In addition to this, Jean has worked with the board of trustees to 
improve the health of her

[[Page E538]]

students through the introduction of a new wellness policy which 
includes strict dietary reform. Reform such as this throughout the 
district will not only help to curb the growing childhood obesity rate, 
but will also help to improve the performance of students in the 
classroom. I believe the central coast is an ideal area for the 
implementation of a policy of this type. We produce an abundance of 
fresh produce within our district and if students are eating what we 
are growing right here at home, complying with these new regulations 
will be a simple, healthy undertaking.
  I commend Jean on her contributions to her district and her tireless 
efforts to improve the quality of life for the children who are the 
future of our country.

                          ____________________