[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 46 (Thursday, March 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CHRIS COFFELT

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. DAVID YOUNG

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2017

  Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Chris Coffelt, Superintendent of Central Decatur Community 
School District, for being named one of Education Week's 2017 ``Leaders 
to Learn from.''
  Each year, Education Week searches across the country for some of the 
most innovative and forward thinking educators our schools have to 
offer. Chris certainly fits that mold. His tireless dedication to 
educational excellence has given rise to a new culture of student 
growth and success in the Central Decatur Community School District.
  Prior to Chris's arrival, the school district had a difficult time 
retaining high-quality teachers for extended periods of time, which 
contributed to lower student achievement. Since taking over, Chris has 
made Central Decatur a destination for some of Iowa's best teachers. 
His innovative programs have helped turn the school district around and 
for the first time in years they are seeing student tests scores grow 
in a number of key areas. Chris' ability to empower teachers in his 
district has brought about a new level of success for not only his 
teachers, but the students as well.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Chris 
in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I 
recognize and applaud him for utilizing his talents to better his 
students, teachers, community and the great state of Iowa. I ask that 
my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in 
congratulating Chris on receiving this outstanding recognition and 
wishing him nothing but continued success.

                          ____________________