[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            AUTHORIZING NEW AWARD PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL WORKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 15, 2010

  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 
2377, ``To direct the Secretary of Education to establish and 
administer an awards program recognizing excellence exhibited by public 
school system employees providing services to students in pre-
kindergarten through higher education'' introduced by my distinguished 
colleague from Nevada, Representative Titus.
  The program which shall be known as the ``National Classified School 
Employees of the Year Awards,'' will allow all of our classified school 
employees who work as paraprofessionals, clericals, custodial and 
maintenance, transportation, food and nutrition, skilled trades, health 
and human services, security, and technical services who provide 
exceptional service to public schools in the United States that play a 
vital role in providing for the welfare and safety of students. The 
awards program established and administered under the Secretary of 
Education will recognize those who strive for excellence in all areas 
of service to the education community and will recognize exemplary 
employees for their outstanding contributions to quality education in 
the United States.
  Nominations will be submitted to the Secretary of Education by a 
chief state school officer no later than November 1 and shall consider 
nominations from local education agencies, school administrators, labor 
unions and professional associations based on work performance, school 
and community involvement, leadership and commitment, and local 
support. Prior to March 31, the Secretary of Education shall select an 
employee from each occupational specialty to receive an award under 
this recognition program.
  I believe in recognizing those individuals who take time out to make 
a difference in the lives of our young people and I feel that the 
``National Classified School Employees of the Year Awards,'' will 
highlight the great work put forth by great people who have a great 
impact not only in the lives of our children, but in the area of 
education and in our local communities. I would like to personally 
thank all of those who work and contribute to the area of education 
through their selfless service and tireless efforts.

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