[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 93 (Friday, June 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF DR. RITA S. JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 19, 2009

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Rita S. Jones 
who is retiring as superintendent of Great Valley School District in 
Chester County, Pennsylvania after faithfully serving more than 39 
years as a dedicated teacher and outstanding administrator.
  Dr. Jones started her distinguished career in a third-grade classroom 
in Johnstown, Ohio in 1971. She came to Pennsylvania in 1978 as 
assistant superintendent/director of special projects in the 
Downingtown School District and then became superintendent in the 
Daniel Boone School District in 1986. For the last 16 years, Dr. Jones 
has served as superintendent at Great Valley.
  Dr. Jones has earned the respect of parents, teachers and staff for 
her excellent leadership and contagious optimism while challenging 
teachers and students to work hard and maximize their potential. Fellow 
educators throughout the state recognized Dr. Jones' commitment to a 
high standard of educational excellence in 1998 when she was named 
Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year.
  After the school day ended, Dr. Jones continued serving her community 
by giving her time and talents to the Brandywine Branch of the American 
Red Cross, The March of Dimes, Chester County Futures and several other 
professional and civic organizations.
  Colleagues and friends will celebrate her wonderful career on Monday, 
June 22, 2009 during a dinner at The Desmond Hotel and Conference 
Center in Malvern.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Dr. 
Rita S. Jones for her 39 years of distinguished service as a teacher 
and administrator and recognizing her unwavering commitment to 
educational excellence.

                          ____________________