[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING BRENDA WELBURN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JARED POLIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of 
Brenda Welburn as the Executive Director of the National Association of 
State Boards of Education (NASBE).
  Throughout Brenda's outstanding career with NASBE, she dedicated 
herself to supporting not only state policymakers across the 50 states 
but, more importantly, students all across the country.
  Brenda spent many years at the helm of NASBE, serving as a critical 
resource for state policymakers elected and appointed to State Boards 
of Education. During my six years of service on the Colorado State 
Board, Brenda and NASBE were instrumental in supporting me and all of 
the board in our universally shared goal of improving public education. 
I will never forget how we worked together to implement the 
requirements of No Child Left Behind and to integrate its requirements 
with Colorado's education accountability systems. With Brenda's help, 
we managed to navigate school finance decisions while communicating the 
benefits of public school choice, such as online learning and charter 
schools, and connecting traditional K-12 programs with college and 
careers.
  Throughout her remarkable tenure at NASBE, Brenda has served as a 
steady and thoughtful leader, actively assisting state board members 
across the country. Her influence has been felt coast to coast, and 
because of her steadfast commitment to establishing and maintaining 
effective education policies, children across the country have been 
given a greater chance to succeed.
  Brenda, we will miss you, but we thank you for your dedicated service 
and congratulate you on your retirement.

                          ____________________