[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 92 (Thursday, June 5, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1161-E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF SUPERINTENDENT STEPHEN WATERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE SPEIER-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2008

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my gratitude and 
admiration for Stephen J. Waterman on the occasion of his retirement as 
Superintendent of schools of Brisbane and Bayshore School Districts.
  Stephen Waterman is a special individual, an inspired educator and a 
passionate advocate for schoolchildren. For fifteen years, he has 
served as Superintendent of the Brisbane School District, a small, 
underfunded agency nestled in a bucolic hamlet overlooking San 
Francisco Bay. His work there to educate children, encourage teachers 
and motivate parents at a time of dwindling state resources and 
increased federal mandates was so well-received, that in 2002, 
neighboring Bayshore School District asked him to do the same for their 
students.

[[Page E1162]]

  While in the state legislature, I often met with school 
superintendents from my district. Even in a room surrounded by his 
peers, brilliant and committed educators who work against great odds to 
do the most important job in their communities, Steve Waterman stood 
out. His facile mind effortlessly navigated complex issues and his 
unassuming grace and quiet power built confidence in those around him.
  Madam Speaker, Superintendent Waterman is retiring much too soon. I 
understand that he wants to spend more time with his delightful and 
engaging wife, Paulette, his sons, Kailin and Christian, and grandson, 
Granite. If I could, I would introduce legislation to force Stephen to 
keep working--maybe even require him to take on a few more school 
districts. But, alas, I can't do that. Instead, I can only wish him 
luck in his future endeavors and trust that his replacements can build 
on Stephen's achievements.
  After growing up in Rochester, New York, Stephen received his 
Bachelor of Arts from Le Moyne University, a Master of Science from 
Southern Illinois, a Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis 
and a Law Degree from the University of San Francisco. Throughout this 
time, he worked in virtually every job available in public education, 
from classroom teacher to program supervisor and eventually, 
superintendent.
  Madam Speaker, every year, Congress debates and passes legislation to 
improve or enhance some aspect of public education. We do that because, 
unfortunately, it isn't possible to create more Stephen Watermans.
  Throughout his life, Superintendent Waterman has empowered students 
with a love of learning. A man of his talents would excel in any field. 
But the world is a better place because he chose to devote his 
considerable intelligence, charm and energy to education.
  For this, thousands of past and present students, their fortunate 
parents and the entire 12th Congressional District are eternally 
grateful.

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