[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 11, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S7330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RETIREMENT OF GEORGE GULSON

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
achievements of Mr. George Gulson, who spent 43 years working in the 
Brandon Valley School System, including 13 years as superintendent. 
Throughout his career, Mr. Gulson has exhibited a true commitment to 
excellence in education by creating positive learning environments for 
his students.
  Mr. Gulson started with Brandon Valley as the band director, a 
position he held for 11 years. Though he has always loved music, Mr. 
Gulson did not originally plan on being a teacher. Initially, he had 
planned on going into pharmacy, but found that his lab classes at South 
Dakota State University conflicted with the band schedule. Rather than 
stop playing in the band, he decided to go into education instead. He 
had several options following his graduation, but after seeing the 
Brandon Valley band perform at a contest, he was so impressed that he 
contacted the superintendent. He signed a teaching contract a few weeks 
later.
  In 1974, Mr. Gulson accepted a position as a junior high school 
principal in Brandon Valley. Though being an administrator was quite 
different from teaching, it was a job he came to appreciate. He found 
that he was able to influence youth at a time in their lives when they 
were still learning who they are and how to interact with the world. In 
addition to helping students find themselves, the post also put Mr. 
Gulson in a position to start thinking about ways to change the school. 
He spent his last 3 years as principal readying the school to change 
from the junior high to the middle school philosophy.
  Then in late 1993 came the call from the Brandon Valley School Board 
asking him to become superintendent. It was a job Mr. Gulson would 
excel at for 13 years. Among the issues Mr. Gulson faced during his 
tenure were a growing student population, building projects, No Child 
Left Behind provisions, curriculum, and funding. Brandon Valley's 
Performing Arts Center was built on his watch, a particularly 
impressive accomplishment.
  George Gulson has shown unequivocal dedication to quality education 
throughout his stellar career. As a teacher, principal, and 
superintendent Mr. Gulson has helped generations of students to become 
lifelong learners. It is my pleasure to publicly recognize such a 
tireless advocate of education as Mr. Gulson. Though Mr. Gulson's day 
to day presence will be missed by students, parents, and the community 
at large, I congratulate him on his years of service and wish him the 
best in his retirement.

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