[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 84 (Thursday, May 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING DR. STEPHEN HANKE ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2016

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. 
Stephen Hanke on the occasion of his retirement after 44 years of 
dedicated public service as an educator.
  Dr. Hanke served as a teacher, principal, and assistant 
superintendent in four school districts before being appointed as 
Superintendent of the Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) in 2006. 
Under his stewardship, DUSD has attained unprecedented levels of 
achievement.
  DUSD saw its Academic Performance Index (API) climb every year during 
his tenure to an all-time high of 904 in 2013, the last year the API 
was measured by California. As the new Smarter Balanced Assessments 
(SBAC) scores were released last fall, DUSD was once again among the 
highest-performing school districts in the state.
  Dr. Hanke successfully transformed the culture and defined DUSD's 
core values by creating and implementing the Vision 20/20 Strategic 
Plan. DUSD became focused on continuous improvement through the 
development of a Professional Learning Community. As a result, six 
schools earned the distinction of being named a California 
Distinguished School.
  Under Dr. Hanke's leadership, DUSD also created a STEM Enrichment 
Academy and emerged as a regional leader in putting technology in the 
classrooms. The infusion of STEM combined with some of the state's most 
rigorous graduation requirements have made students more prepared for 
college and career success than ever before.
  In addition, Dr. Hanke's tenure coincided with a period of rapid 
expansion, as he oversaw 40 modernization projects and the addition of 
three elementary schools and a middle school. The signature 
enhancements were $120 million of renovation and expansion at Dublin 
High School, which is now regarded as one of the premier campuses in 
California. Despite the pressures of managing growth, DUSD maintained 
financial stability even through the most difficult times.
  Dr. Hanke has fostered lasting, productive partnerships in the 
community and has laid the groundwork for an ever-expanding offering of 
programs and opportunities for all Dublin students. I wish to 
congratulate him on his long and distinguished career, and wish him 
health and happiness in retirement.

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