[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24512-24513]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               RESOLUTION TO HONOR OUR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

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                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2009

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution supporting October 2009 as National Principals Month. This 
designation will honor and recognize the critical role that school 
principals play in the lives of our students.
  One of the principle reasons behind a school's success is often a 
strong principal.
  Elementary, middle and high school principals consistently provide 
the vision, dedication, and mobilizing force behind successful schools.
  Principals set the academic tone for their schools and work 
collaboratively with teachers to develop performance goals and 
objectives, all in an effort to improve student achievement.
  Today's principals are expected to fill a variety of roles, each 
complex in its own right.
  On any given day, they are likely to be everything from educational 
visionary, to community builder, to budget analyst, to facility 
manager, to counselor.
  This means that principals often work long hours. In fact, the Bureau 
of Labor Statistics estimates that one in three principals works more 
than 40 hours per week and often works additional time supervising 
school activities at night and on weekends.
  During my time on the San Diego School Board, I worked with many of 
these remarkable individuals. I witnessed how their commitment and 
energy can inspire an entire school--from the youngest student to the 
most senior teacher.
  In the end, it is principals who are responsible for creating and 
managing the environment where our students learn and grow.
  This month, let's honor this important role, which they dedicate 
themselves to year-round.
  I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan resolution with my 
colleague from the Education and Labor Committee, Congressman Todd 
Platts.

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