[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 73 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1093]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING BRUCE LEIBY IN RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 9, 2006

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bruce 
Leiby, who is retiring after twenty-nine years of service to Prince 
William County Public Schools.
  Mr. Leiby, the principal of Prince William County's Bel Air 
Elementary School since 2003, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 
history from Gettysburg College, Pennsylvania, and a Master of Arts 
degree in Education from Temple University in Philadelphia. He began 
his career in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania before moving to Prince 
William County. In 1977, he began teaching at Stonewall Middle School 
in Manassas and continued teaching at Potomac High School in Dumfries. 
Throughout his career, he has been an assistant principal at Fred Lynn 
Middle School, Occoquan Elementary in Woodbridge, and Rockledge 
Elementary in Lake Ridge. In 1985, Leiby accepted his first position as 
principal of Occoquan Elementary School. In 1998, he became Bristow 
Elementary's first principal, guiding the school through its initial 
years and leading it to receive recognition as a fully-accredited 
institution. In 2000, due to Principal Leiby's leadership, Bristow 
Elementary School won its first School of Excellence Award. After a 
short stint as Prince William County's curriculum supervisor for social 
studies of all grades, Leiby returned to school to become Bel Air 
Elementary's principal in 2003.
  While principal of Bel Air Elementary, SOL passing scores have risen 
substantially. Mr. Leiby has shown himself to be an innovative 
educator, who inspires students and teachers alike in a nurturing and 
supportive environment. His leadership style is highly admired 
throughout the county, whether as a principal or curriculum 
coordinator. He has been nominated three times for the Distinguished 
Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year awards. He is truly an 
asset to the Prince William County Public School system and will be 
greatly missed.
  Our students are our number one resource. Mr. Leiby has dedicated his 
life to ensuring that they are given the opportunity to achieve 
success. Over the past 29 years in Prince William County, he has made a 
lasting impact on thousands of students.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding 
Bruce Leiby and congratulating him on his retirement after a 
distinguished career.

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