[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 89 (Thursday, June 4, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E844-E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF BRIAN WHISTON'S SELECTION AS MICHIGAN'S STATE 
                             SUPERINTENDENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2015

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Brian 
Whiston on his nomination for Michigan's State Superintendent. As a 
Member of Congress it is both my privilege and honor to recognize Mr. 
Whiston for his prioritization of the success of our students and 
guiding them on the right path to higher education and into the 
workforce.
  For the past 8 years, Mr. Whiston has served as the Superintendent 
for Dearborn Public Schools in Dearborn, Michigan, where he selflessly 
advocated for the betterment of his students and staff through 
innovative programs and policies. Mr. Whiston implemented a co-teaching 
model which blends general and special educators to cater to the 
specific needs of ESL students who comprise a vast majority of the 
student population. Breaking down the barriers of the typical high 
school classroom scenario, Mr. Whiston created initiatives for students 
to explore career interests and acclimate themselves to the college 
experience. Advanced placement programs, Dual Enrollment at local 
universities, a S.T.E.M. based magnet program, and a vocational program 
for culinary arts and hospitality have created a wide array of avenues 
for students to venture into higher education. This innovative approach 
led to increased test scores and graduation rates in the district and 
was certainly of note as Mr. Whiston was named Michigan's 
Superintendent of the Year in 2014.

[[Page E845]]

  As a proponent and champion of unions, Mr. Whiston fostered a strong 
working relationship with all unions in the district, which was 
instrumental in settling contracts that kept jobs in the district, 
balanced the budget, and saved valuable taxpayer dollars.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Mr. 
Whiston for achieving this accolade. I am confident his fantastic work 
with Dearborn Public Schools will transcend into his tenure as 
Michigan's next State Superintendent.

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