[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1176-E1177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SAN MATEO COUNTY AND SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to proudly praise the 
educational system within my home state of California and, in 
particular, the schools in my congressional district. In the face of 
what seems constant criticism of our school systems, there are actually 
many, many instances of excellence.
  California's State Superintendent of Education Jack O'Connell 
recently announced a remarkable list of 76 middle schools and 95 high 
schools that will be designated as California Distinguished Schools 
through 2011. San Mateo County Board of Education Superintendent Jean 
Holbrook said that San Mateo County, much of which is within 
California's 12th congressional district, is the 16th largest county in 
the state yet ranks fourth in receiving distinguished school awards. I 
agree completely with her that this ``says something

[[Page E1177]]

about the great job that the educators of San Mateo County are doing.''
  Nine San Mateo County middle and high schools were among the 
California schools selected as 2007 Distinguished Schools. This annual 
award recognizes these schools as among the state's most exemplary 
public schools.
  Madam Speaker, I am extremely proud of the work done by the educators 
in California. The nine distinguished schools from San Mateo County 
include Ralston Middle School in Belmont, Crocker-Middle School in 
Hillsborough, La Entrada Middle School in Menlo Park, Corte Madera 
Elementary School in Portola Valley, Aragon High School in San Mateo, 
Carlmont High School in Belmont, Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton 
and Sequoia High School in Redwood City.
  I would like to add praise for two schools in San Francisco, also 
partly within my home district. Gateway High School and KIPP San 
Francisco Bay Academy Middle School were likewise selected as 
Distinguished Schools for 2007.
  To be designated a Distinguished School requires a comprehensive 
review and evaluation. Of California's 2,400 middle and high schools, 
approximately 478 schools were eligible for consideration. Ultimately, 
279 schools submitted the formal application for consideration. And 
finally, 76 schools were selected for the list.
  Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to share with my colleagues 
this information and ask them to join me in recognizing the success of 
these fine California schools.

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