[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 107 (Tuesday, September 5, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8961-S8962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RENVILLE COUNTY WEST SCHOOL DISTRICT, RENVILLE, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today I honor Renville County West 
School District, in Renville, MN, which recently earned an Award for 
Excellence in Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements 
in educating children.
  Renville County West School District is truly a model of educational 
success. The district has struggled financially for many years, 
primarily as a result of declining enrollment. It has addressed its 
financial problems through multiple consolidations of many districts 
into a single district, and last year, the closing of yet another 
school building. These moves, while financially necessary, are 
extremely hard on the students, staff, and community.
  While the district has been plagued by falling enrollment due to 
population trends, statutory operating debt, reductions in staff and 
programs, and staff development funds that have been suspended, the 
district maintains its commitment to quality education. Its schools 
have consistently made yearly progress toward the goals of No Child 
Left Behind.
  Despite these challenges, test scores in Renville County West schools 
have improved over the past few years. Last year, Renville County West 
Elementary School earned four-star ratings in math and reading; and its 
high school earned a four-star rating in math. Renville County West's 
continued academic progress has also overcome changes created by 
greater numbers of special education, low-income, and minority 
students.
  The statements of teachers and students offer yet another reflection 
of the success of the district. Social sciences teacher Daniel Rohman 
writes: ``I have developed a senior economics class that gives kids a 
springboard into life. In this class, I teach the concepts of micro and 
macro but try to put it into real life examples that the kids have to 
work at. In this class I teach investments. We do mock

[[Page S8962]]

portfolios; we track stocks; we do government securities, 403s and 
401s, IRAs, mutual funds, insurance plans, money market accounts, and 
on and on.
  ``I have had kids so interested in this class that they have gone 
into the securities profession as investment brokers, insurance sales, 
working for firms such as State Farm and Piper Jaffrey. Do you think 
that makes me proud? You bet it does. That is what teaching is all 
about. Seeing a kid make three times what I make and feeling good about 
it when they come back to share their success story with you and 
saying, `Thank you, you made a difference in my life.' ''
  Molly Forkrud, a 2006 graduate of Renville, describes her academic 
career, writing: ``I can honestly say in all four campuses, I have 
received a wonderful education. This education did not come from the 
walls, halls, or classrooms of certain buildings, but rather the 
consistent ambition of the teachers and staff who instructed me. The 
buildings themselves have had nothing to do with my education, but it's 
the people inside who have impacted my life as a student.''
  Although the district has struggled financially, it has made the 
financial commitment to fund an all-day kindergarten for all children, 
something the State of Minnesota has refused to provide.
  Much of the credit for the Renville County West School District's 
success belongs to its Superintendent, Mr. Doug Conboy, and the 
dedicated principals, teachers, and staff. The students and staff at 
the Renville County West School District understand that in order to be 
successful, a school must go beyond achieving academic success. It must 
also provide a nurturing environment where students can develop the 
knowledge, skills, and attitudes for success throughout life. All of 
the faculty, staff, and students at the Renville County West School 
District should be very proud of their accomplishments.
  I congratulate the Renville County West School District in Renville 
for winning the Award for Excellence in Education and for its 
exceptional contributions to education in Minnesota.

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