[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 72 (Thursday, June 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF SUPERINTENDENT SUSAN BACKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2006

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Susan 
Backman on the occasion of her retirement as Superintendent of Schools 
for Dearborn Heights District #7. She has served the community and its 
students with distinction for more than 30 years.
  Mrs. Backman graduated from Western Michigan University in 1971 with 
a degree in home economics and distributive education. In 1979, she 
earned her Master of Education degree from Wayne State University. She 
then earned advanced certification as an education specialist and 
completed post-graduate credits at Wayne State University in 1988 and 
1992 respectively.
  In 1971, Mrs. Backman began her career as a teacher in District #7, a 
job she would keep for the next 13 years. In 1986, she became the 
Special Education Supervisor, and she earned the position of Director 
of Student Services in 1994. She then served as Interim Superintendent 
from 1996 until 1997, when she was hired as Superintendent of Schools. 
Since that time, Mrs. Backman has worked tirelessly to provide all that 
she can for the students and staff of District #7.
  There is no question that Mrs. Backman's nine years as Superintendent 
greatly benefited the students of Dearborn Heights. She spent countless 
hours fostering better relationships with the staff, the community and 
the Board of Education. Mrs. Backman led a dedicated team of 
administrators and facilitated the passage of many ballot initiatives 
to secure additional resources. Furthermore, she oversaw the dramatic 
reversal of the District's finances from budget deficits and 
mismanagement to one of growth and responsibility. Throughout her 
career, Mrs. Backman has been an innovator and a pioneer in researching 
and implementing the new policies, procedures and programs that have 
helped District #7 succeed and excel. Mrs. Backman's 2005 nomination 
for National Superintendent of the Year reflects her undying efforts as 
an advocate for public education.
  Susan Backman's retirement is a bittersweet moment for District #7, 
and I would ask that my colleagues rise and join me in wishing her the 
very best of luck, health and happiness in the future. I join the 
community in thanking her for her dedicated service to the students of 
Dearborn Heights over the last 35 years. While her leadership and 
guidance will be missed, her work and achievements will not be 
forgotten.

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