[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 73 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MICHAEL SCOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 9, 2006

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished 
tenure of Michael Scott, president of the Chicago Board of Education. 
Michael recently announced that he will retire from the board on July 
21, 2006. Chicago's public school students and parents will miss the 
dedication and professionalism he has brought to the public schools and 
his service to the city.
  Michael was raised on the west side of Chicago, attended St. Philip's 
High School and later earned a B.A. in urban planning from Fordham 
University. He first became involved in local government after spending 
many years as a developer. His early dedication to the betterment of 
Chicago's communities drew attention from the late Mayor Harold 
Washington. Michael went on to serve in the administrations of Mayor 
Washington and Mayor Richard Daley.
  In June 2001, Michael Scott was appointed to the Chicago Board of 
Education, and elected president of the board that same month. For the 
past 5 years, Michael has dedicated his energy and talents to this 
challenging and time consuming position, working on a voluntary basis. 
Under his direction, the Chicago Public Schools have thrived. One of 
Michael's key initiatives, in partnership with Mayor Daley, was 
Renaissance 2010, a program that closed underperforming schools and 
reached out to private donors to build new ones. Together they built 
the first new Chicago public school in 29 years.
  Michael has combined strong managerial skills with an ability to 
bring students, parents, and teachers together to solve problems and 
create opportunities. He has worked very hard for the students of 
Chicago and cares about them deeply. His engaging personality has also 
helped him build strong relationships with parents and teachers.
  Michael's success can be seen in the students' improved math and 
reading test scores. The schools have also worked hard to reduce 
truancy. Michael's creativity and innovation have also resulted in new 
programs such as ballroom dancing and other opportunities for student 
creativity.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a true 
public servant on the successful completion of his tenure. On behalf of 
all of Chicago's families, I thank Michael Scott for his dedication and 
wish him the best of luck in the future.

                          ____________________