[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 42 (Thursday, March 21, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2142-S2143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         TRIBUTE TO SUSAN SMIT

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam President, today I wish to 
honor a leader who has tirelessly fought to educate young people in my 
State. After 9 years of dedicated service as superintendent of the 
Wagner Community School District, Susan Smit will retire at the end of 
the school year.
  Susan Smit's career in education has spanned a period of over 30 
years. She embarked on this path in 1970, first as a vocational home 
economics teacher. Throughout her time in the field of education, she 
has held many positions: teacher, counselor, principal and 
superintendent. Most recently, Susan has spent the last 16 years 
serving in public schools in Indian Country, working to close the 
achievement gap between Native and non-Native students. Students in the 
Wagner Community School District face a unique set of challenges, and 
Susan Smit's approach to addressing them has been nothing short of 
visionary. The nature of the district is rural and low income, with 
over 70 percent of students qualifying for free and reduced meals.
  As a founder and cochair of the Senate Impact Aid Coalition, I have 
enjoyed working with Susan over the years. In November 2012, Susan was 
invited to speak to congressional offices about the importance of 
continued Federal investments in education. Susan provided testimony to 
more than 80 congressional staff members and dozens of education 
leaders on the negative effect of education funding cuts and the need 
to maintain funding for critical education programs. During the 2013 
annual conference for the National Association of Federally Impacted 
Schools, NAFIS, Susan was awarded the Friends of NAFIS award, one of 
the highest honors the organization bestows upon an educator. The honor 
recognized Susan for her aptitude for problem-solving and her ability 
to integrate the needs of the Wagner community into school initiatives.
  As a superintendent, Susan has strived to broaden access to academic 
opportunities for youth by maximizing the use of technology in the 
classroom. The school district's one-to-one laptop initiative provides 
students with a laptop for their 4 years of high school. This program 
has increased retention and gives students the opportunity to hone 
computer skills that will serve them well beyond graduation. Students 
apply these skills to further their education through online classes. 
Although the school district does not have the resources to offer 
traditional advanced placement classes, this does not prevent students 
from enrolling in these advanced and rigorous courses. Advanced 
placement classes are offered online though the distance education lab.
  One of the crowning achievements of Susan's tenure as superintendent 
is the implementation of Jobs for America's Graduates, JAG, Program in 
South Dakota. Through leadership development and mentorship, the 
program prepares at-risk students for success in college and future 
careers. Due in part to the program, the school district's graduation 
rate is above the state average, and the high school has been 
recognized as a distinguished school under the title I program.
  Susan has been a tireless champion for expanding access to quality 
and affordable early education. As superintendent, Susan spearheaded 
the creation of a preschool program that is in

[[Page S2143]]

its sixth year and serves over 100 3- and 4-year-old children each 
year. Of the children enrolled in the program, 75 percent of the 
children are Native American. I am a strong supporter of early 
education and appreciate Susan's commitment to helping young people get 
the right start by nurturing their development and providing for their 
well-being.
  As superintendent of the Wagner Community School District, Susan Smit 
has successfully overcome many of the challenges associated with 
operating a rural school district. It is my pleasure to thank her for 
many years of dedicated service to the youth of South Dakota. I wish 
Susan, her husband Roland, and their family all the best in 
retirement.

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