[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 13885-13886]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE WORK AND SERVICE OF JACK E. SINGLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of Jack E. Singley and the 43 years he spent in service to 
Irving Independent School District.
  Jack Singley began his career in 1965 by teaching Math at MacArthur 
High School in Irving, Texas, and rose through the ranks of the school 
district to become superintendent in 1988. He served in that role for 
nearly 21 years making him one of the longest serving school 
administrators in Texas. Earlier this year, he announced that 2009 
would mark the end of his remarkable career, and his determination, 
strength of character, and wisdom will be greatly missed.

[[Page 13886]]

  Throughout his career, Mr. Singley saw the transformation of Irving 
ISD from a small suburban school district to the large vibrant school 
district it is today. During his tenure as superintendent, eight 
schools were added to the school district and the number of employees 
serving in Irving ISD nearly doubled. One of Mr. Singley's most 
impressive successes was the creation of The Academy of Irving ISD. 
This high school opened in 2001 and is considered to be at the 
forefront of technological innovation and educational philosophy.
  After Mr. Singley announced his retirement earlier this year, the 
Irving ISD School Board voted unanimously to rename the Academy of 
Irving ISD to the Jack E. Singley Academy, much to his dismay. With 
great humility and regard for others, he asked that the school not be 
named in his honor and said, ``I honestly believe that when you're 
naming schools after local people, they ought to be volunteers, not 
staff members.''
  Jack Singley has made such a big difference in the lives of so many 
students and teachers, and I cannot think of a better way to honor him 
than by renaming this academy to the Jack E. Singley Academy. I ask my 
fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Singley and his 
lifelong commitment to ensuring quality education for young people in 
Irving, Texas.

                          ____________________