[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1141]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE STATE OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2008

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
the State of Michigan school board members in observance of School 
Board Recognition Month for their service and unwavering commitment to 
our children and our schools.
  The Michigan Association of School Boards was founded in 1949 to 
provide a united voice for the thousands of men and women who champion 
the cause of public education as board members. Michigan's 4,100 school 
board members contribute hundreds of hours each year leading their 
districts by adopting policies, hiring superior personnel and 
administrators, and listening to staff, parent and student concerns. 
Through their tireless motivation and many contributions, school board 
members have distinguished themselves as compassionate individuals who 
are deeply committed to educating our children. These members have 
sought to ensure every child is given the opportunity to learn and 
succeed. Also, their many contributions serve as a fine example to 
inspire others.
  The Michigan Association of School Boards launched the National 
School Board Recognition program in Michigan in 1989, in which only 
five states chose to celebrate this special month. Subsequently, the 
National School Board Association's Delegate Assembly resolved to 
initiate National School Board Recognition Month in 1995. Other States 
followed suit by annually recognizing their local school board members' 
service and commitment to their children and schools. January 2008 
marks the annual observance of this year's School Board Recognition 
Month. This year's theme is ``School Boards Lead Strong.'' This theme 
reflects school board members' combined commitment to leadership and 
accountability in ensuring all children succeed.
  Madam Speaker, for 59 years, Michigan state school board members have 
exemplified civic duty by making decisions which fundamentally enrich 
the quality of education for over 1.7 million Michigan students. Today, 
I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these school board 
members upon observance of School Board Recognition Month; and 
recognizing their years of loyal commitment to education which has, 
undoubtedly, helped to create exceptional scholars and citizens.

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