[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1433-E1434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MELBA LUCIANO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2014

  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage 
Month, to recognize Melba Luciano. Mrs. Luciano earned her bachelor's 
degree in Health Education from Hunter College in New York and a 
master's degree in Educational Leadership from Nova University.
  A dedicated educator, she has over 30 years of experience in 
education, through a variety of positions including Classroom 
Assistant, Teacher, Elementary Resource Specialist, Assistant 
Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and 
Instruction. She began her career with the Osceola School District in 
1986, and was

[[Page E1434]]

named Superintendent in 2012. Mrs. Luciano is the first Latina 
superintendent in the Florida public school system.
  As Superintendent, Mrs. Luciano provides leadership for the district 
and school administration, as well as facilitates continuous 
improvement, educational accountability, and community support through 
partnerships with stakeholders. She works collaboratively with 
students, parents, faculty and staff, administrators, community 
residents, and School Board Members to annually develop an annual 
strategic plan focused on the district's vision for student success.
  In June 2014, the Florida Department of Education recognized the 
Osceola School District as one of only five Florida counties to improve 
in all seven assessment areas in reading, mathematics, and science.
  Mrs. Luciano has a strong sense of leadership, an unrivaled sense of 
professionalism, and a passion for community involvement and 
collaboration. In March 2013, she was awarded the National Association 
for Bilingual Education's Citizen Award.
  I am happy to recognize Melba Luciano, during Hispanic Heritage 
Month, for her passion for education and commitment to improving the 
Central Florida community.

                          ____________________