[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 75 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING CARLA SANTORNO FOR HER WOMEN IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AWARD BY 
                THE NATIONAL SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2016

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Carla Santorno, 
the Superintendent of Tacoma Public Schools. Earlier this spring, Ms. 
Santorno was awarded the Women in School Leadership award by the 
National Superintendents Association for the passion, dedication, and 
innovation she brings to the lives of students.
  The Women in School Leadership award seeks to recognize women 
educational administrators who excel in their leadership for learning, 
communication, professionalism, and community involvement. Ms. Santorno 
has gone above and beyond in these areas to help Tacoma School District 
students to succeed in life after school.
  Tacoma Public Schools serves more than 30,000 students from 
kindergarten through grade 12, and employs more than 5,000 individuals. 
Under Ms. Santorno's leadership, Tacoma Public Schools has been 
recognized by the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction 
as one of the state's most innovative districts and has seen important 
improvements throughout the system across many different areas. 
Graduation rates have steadily increased in Tacoma high schools, 
decreasing the achievement gap. The district has developed a 
legislative agenda and has led the promotion of the Whole Child 
Initiative, which seeks to systematically focus on students' social, 
emotional, and academic needs. As a part of this effort, Ms. Santorno 
has initiated meaningful relationships with over 40 community 
organizations and has dramatically increased parental involvement. 
Additionally, Ms. Santorno has increased efforts to provide transparent 
achievement results, develop a data-driven system to recognize each 
student's needs, and align the budget process with the school board's 
strategic accountability system. All of these innovative efforts have 
bettered the lives of Tacoma students and the community as a whole.
  Carla Santorno has committed her life to public education. She spent 
most of her career as a teacher, principal, administrator, and area 
superintendent in the Denver Public Schools before moving to Seattle to 
serve as chief academic officer for Seattle Public Schools. Ms. 
Santorno has been with Tacoma Public Schools since 2009, and has served 
as superintendent since 2012. The progress that has been achieved in 
just a few years at Tacoma Public Schools is truly remarkable and I 
look forward to her continued work to improve the lives of Tacoma's 
young people.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Carla Santorno 
for her inspiring work and incredible enthusiasm. Her unrelenting 
dedication to the Tacoma community serves as an example of the 
tremendous impact one person can have.

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