[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 110 (Monday, June 15, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF DR. SCOTT MENZEL FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER WITH THE 
                 WASHTENAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 2020

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Scott 
Menzel for his years of distinguished service to students in Michigan 
and offer my heartfelt congratulations as he begins a new chapter as 
superintendent for the Scottsdale Unified School District in Arizona. 
Although we are all sad to see him go, we are proud to celebrate his 
outstanding contributions to the Washtenaw Intermediate School 
District.
  In 2011, Dr. Scott Menzel became the superintendent of the Washtenaw 
Intermediate School District (WISD) and started his tenure at a pivotal 
moment in the community's history. In 2012, Willow Run and Ypsilanti 
schools began the consolidation process to form a new district. The 
consolidation, which many thought to be impossible, came to fruition 
thanks to the support of the WISD and Menzel's tenacity, hard work, and 
commitment to education. Prior to his work in the WISD, Menzel served 
as superintendent for Whitmer Lake Public Schools from 2002 to 2007. 
Later, Menzel led similar operations at the Livingston Educational 
Service Agency from 2007 to 2011.
  Throughout all capacities, Menzel has been recognized as a humble 
leader who strives to make a lasting and meaningful difference in 
students' lives. He dedicates himself to causes he believes in, and 
encourages others to demonstrate compassion, service, and excellence. 
Undoubtably, Menzel's passion for education and academic opportunity 
have left a profound impact on the school district, evident in the 
recent passing of a bond proposal that will help construct a new $53.2 
million school for special-needs students outside of Ann Arbor. 
Moreover, Menzel's focus on addressing racial disparities and promoting 
racial equity throughout the district has set a clear example for other 
districts to emulate. He has been an avid proponent of My Brother's 
Keeper, an initiative created under the Obama Administration to address 
persistent opportunity gaps facing young boys and young men of color, 
and his involvement has helped the program flourish and grow throughout 
Michigan. He has received numerous honors and accolades for his work 
including the National African American Parent Involvement Day Spirit 
Award, the MASA Regional Superintendent of the Year Award, and the 
White House YMCA Champion for Change Award, among a host of others.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Scott 
Menzel. Menzel has helped students develop skills and gain confidence 
not only needed to succeed academically, but in life beyond the 
classroom. He has impacted their futures in profound ways, and we are 
all grateful for his commitment to his students, his district, and his 
community. We thank him for his service to students in Michigan and 
wish him the best of luck in Arizona.

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