[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 92 (Thursday, June 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF RICHARD BAUMGARTNER

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the distinguished career of Richard J. Baumgartner. Mr. Baumgartner has 
served the children of Northern Virginia as an educator for thirty-
seven years. Mr. Baumgartner has consistently been a strong advocate of 
quality education for all children and appropriate compensation for 
teachers.
  As an educator, Mr. Baumgartner witnessed first-hand the expansive 
growth of Fairfax County and its public school system. Mr. 
Baumgartner's career has led him to excel in a variety of capacities 
within Fairfax County Public Schools. In fact, during his tenure, Mr. 
Baumgartner had the unique opportunity to serve on the initial opening 
faculty at three different elementary schools. He was a valuable asset 
to these schools and their principals during the difficult process of 
establishing a new school.
  Mr. Baumgartner was a strong advocate on behalf of teachers in 
Fairfax County while serving as President of the Fairfax Education 
Association from 2000-2002 and 2004-2007. During his first term, Mr. 
Baumgartner worked with the school administration to examine the 
effectiveness of National Board Certification. Mr. Baumgartner also 
succeeded in helping change policy with regards to the Virginia 
Retirement System. Significant highlights of Mr. Baumgartner's second 
term include getting salary credit for instructional assistants who 
become teachers and implementing a nationally recognized teacher 
working conditions survey.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our 
gratitude to Richard J. Baumgartner for his thirty-seven years of 
service to the students and staff of the Fairfax County Public School 
system and in wishing him the very best in his retirement.

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