[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 113 (Thursday, July 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING SARALAND SCHOOLS FOR SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2012

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of the 
House the exemplary achievement of the Saraland School System, which 
recently garnered the highest rating of performance from its 
accreditation agency. What's even more remarkable about this 
accomplishment is that the Saraland School System was founded just four 
short years ago.
  All too often, local news across America is filled will stories about 
failing schools and declining scholastic standards. Indeed, our 
educational system is being challenged like never before from a 
historic recession and dwindling revenues. But America is still the 
land of opportunity for those imbued with vision and a dedication to 
make a difference.
  Four years ago, the City of Saraland defied the odds by seeking 
control of its local schools with the goal of raising the quality of 
education for its children. The Saraland School System set a goal to 
provide every student a ``world-class education.'' This goal was 
successfully met in June when Saraland received the top rating of 
``highly functional'' for the school system's vision and purpose. The 
high praise came from AdvanceED, formerly known as the Southern 
Association of Colleges and Schools.
  Saraland also received the accreditation agency's second highest 
rating in six other areas: governance and leadership; teaching and 
learning; documenting and using results; resources and support systems; 
stakeholder communications and relationships; and commitment to 
continuous improvement.
  Much credit is due to the school leadership, including School Board 
President Bill Silver, Superintendent Wayne Vickers, and all the 
Saraland School System administrators, principals, teachers and 
students. Additionally, a tip of the hat is due to the people of 
Saraland who, according to the accreditation agency, have demonstrated 
an equally strong commitment to supporting their new school system and 
making sure it succeeds.
  Board president Bill Silver recently told the Mobile Press-Register, 
``This community has bought into our own school system and that is one 
of the reasons we have had such success, in academics, sports and the 
whole arena.''
  Physical evidence of the community's investment in their school 
system is manifest in the $30 million high school, a planned $14 
million elementary school and another $4 million dedicated to renovate 
the middle school.
  Saraland's amazing achievement is not only a model for Alabama, but 
for the nation. It is proof positive that when a community unites 
behind a goal, it can succeed. We should all look to Saraland's 
example.
  On behalf of the people of Alabama, I would like to extend my 
congratulations to the Saraland School System, its leaders, students 
and the community at large. Job well done!

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