[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 99 (Thursday, June 13, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF ABBY DOLLIVER ON HER RETIREMENT

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2019

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Norwich 
Superintendent of Public Schools, Abby Dolliver, on a career in 
education spanning 33 years, including 25 in the city of Norwich. Her 
history of passionate leadership is rooted in a lifelong dedication to 
public service and has positively impacted the lives of countless 
students, faculty, and administrators.
  Her commitment to Norwich Public Schools began in 1986 as a social 
worker. Abby assumed the role of Director of Student Services and 
Special Education in 2007 before her appointment to the position of 
superintendent in 2010. Her tenure has been marked by an enthusiasm for 
inspiring leadership in others and utilizing the unique qualities of 
those she oversees. As superintendent, Abby is proud of developing 
internal committee structures to encourage a greater sense of 
engagement among faculty. She regards helping to create a strong team 
and surrounding herself with talented, experienced members of the 
school community as her greatest accomplishment. Though major 
challenges included tighter budgets, the closing of three elementary 
schools, and the restructuring of the city's middle schools, Abby 
maintained an unwavering devotion to the needs of her students. In the 
midst of that turmoil she actually implemented innovative, successful 
magnet programs using state and federal resources to keep Norwich 
public education healthy and high quality.
  Abby's background as both a social worker and lifelong resident of 
Norwich has enabled her to better understand the diverse perspectives 
of more than 3,500 students who speak over 25 different languages. Her 
legendary father, Stanley Israelite, instilled in her a devotion to 
public service that was focused on the best interests of Norwich's 
children. Abby describes the Norwich school district as ``student-
driven with kindness as the focus.'' The city of Norwich has benefited 
greatly from this history of dedication, and I am confident Abby will 
find new ways to serve the community for years to come. I ask my 
colleagues to please join me in wishing her a happy retirement.

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