[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7914]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     TRIBUTE TO DR. FOSTER B. GIBBS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Foster B. 
Gibbs upon his retirement after 23 years as Superintendent of the 
Saginaw Public Schools. Dr. Gibbs is a legend in education circles in 
Michigan and beyond. His storied career has spanned 42 years, all of 
them serving the needs of students in the Saginaw Public Schools 
system.
  A native of Royal Oak, Michigan, Foster comes from a family of 
educators. His father, H. Britton Gibbs, was a former teacher, 
principal and superintendent. His mother, E. Marie Gibbs, was a teacher 
and principal. In addition, Foster's wonderful wife, RaeAnn, and his 
two sons, Douglas and Stephen, have enthusiastically encouraged and 
sustained his commitment and dedication to the Saginaw Public Schools.
  Foster, who holds three degrees from the University of Michigan--a 
bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in educational 
administration and a doctorate in administration, supervision and 
instruction, has had an incredible tenure. His pioneering efforts and 
many innovative ideas earned the Saginaw Public Schools system a 
national reputation for progressive approaches to improving educational 
opportunities for all students. In fact, his own reputation for 
excellence propelled him to myriad leadership positions in professional 
and community organizations throughout his career, including Past 
President of the Michigan Middle Cities Education Association, a 
founding member and President of the Urban Education Alliance, founding 
member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Saginaw County and board member 
of Saginaw's America's Promise.
  Foster's deep sense of obligation to the future of young people has 
prompted his faithful adherence to strong educational standards of 
excellence and a relentless pursuit of better methods to achieve that 
goal. His service has been marked by exemplary staff development and 
curriculum improvement that has put the district on the right path for 
the 21st Century.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am honored to call Foster my friend. During 
my time in politics, I have had many opportunities to interact with 
Foster and each and every occasion has provided more reasons to respect 
the man and the educator. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing 
gratitude to Dr. Gibbs for his outstanding service and wish him 
continued success in his endeavors.

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