[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 115 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING POTTSTOWN SUPERINTENDENT DR. JEFFREY R. SPARAGANA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RYAN A. COSTELLO

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Pottstown School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeffrey R. Sparagana, as 
he prepares to retire after a career in education spanning more than 
four decades.
  For the past 23 years, Dr. Sparagana has held a variety of teaching, 
administrative, and coaching positions in the Pottstown School 
District. He was appointed superintendent in December 2012, 
demonstrating outstanding leadership during what his colleagues 
described as ``the most tumultuous period of change'' in the District's 
177-year history. It was a period that saw the District revise 
attendance boundaries, close one elementary school and renovate four 
others, and realign the Middle School to include fifth grade. 
Innovation, a commitment to academic excellence and accountability and 
an incredible ability to collaborate with teachers, parents and the 
community were hallmarks of Dr. Sparagana's tenure. Those traits 
undoubtedly contributed to Pottstown earning national accolades for its 
PEAK program, which ensures students start kindergarten properly 
prepared for a lifetime of learning. Pottstown students also benefit 
from a healthy living program, one of just 20 comprehensive high school 
programs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, virtual and alternative 
learning academies for customized instruction and an active Foundation 
for Pottstown Education, which provides supplemental funding for unique 
educational opportunities.
  Despite the tremendous demands as the top educator in a district with 
3,200 students, Dr. Sparagana always was an engaged citizen and made 
countless positive contributions to the greater Pottstown community. He 
is a past president of the Pottstown Area Industrial Development 
organization, helped facilitate quarterly joint meetings with the 
District and Pottstown Borough Council and fostered partnerships with 
Montgomery County Community College and The Hill School, resulting in 
Pottstown CARES days during which more than 600 volunteers pitch in on 
an array of projects in the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing gratitude 
for Dr. Jeffrey R. Sparagana's more than 40 years of outstanding 
service as an educator and genuine passion for ensuring that each 
student in the Pottstown School District has the opportunity to learn 
and develop into a responsible, engaged citizen and offering best 
wishes for a long, healthful retirement.

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