[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Pages 19048-19049]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO WALT RULFFES

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the lasting 
achievements of the Walt Rulffes. His recent retirement from the post 
of Superintendent of Clark County School District means that southern 
Nevada is losing one of its most versatile leaders. Walt's impressive 
ability to lead, while often having to make tough decisions, has 
garnered the respect of all Nevadans. His guidance of one of the 
Nation's fast-growing school districts through good times and bad, will 
never be forgotten.
  Born in Long Island, NY, Walt was raised on a ranch in Washington 
State. He grew up with a love for literature and learning. Although 
childhood dreams revolved around becoming a

[[Page 19049]]

cowboy, he went on to obtain his M.B.A. from Gonzaga. Walt developed a 
background in Finance, which laid the foundation for later success. He 
also developed the ability to act decisively in a moment of need. 
Serving first as deputy superintendent of finance, then as interim 
superintendent, Walt eventually became the superintendent for the Clark 
County School District.
  The Clark County School District is one of the country's largest 
local education agencies, serving over 300,000 students from a variety 
of backgrounds. Its superintendent, therefore, must be able to 
proficiently manage immense day-to-day activities as well as oversee 
financial affairs. Mr. Rulffes not only met these demands, but in fact 
exceeded all expectations. His success is mainly due to this fact: Walt 
has never forgotten the most important part of his job--the students. 
In one occasion, unsatisfied with the inconsistency of math teaching 
practices and tests, he implemented district-wide math textbooks and 
uniform testing to equip students with necessary mathematics skills for 
college. Scores improved and students are now much better prepared for 
college and careers. His focus on the development of career and 
technical schools likewise improved students' possibilities for 
education. Walt further implemented English language learning, ELL, 
programs and was a champion of the ``Empowerment Schools,'' a program 
that grants school principals greater autonomy.
  Serving as the head of Clark County School District, Walt was also 
forced to master the art of adaption. From year to year, the issues 
faving the school district were never quite the same. CCSD went from 
building over 100 new schools to accommodate new residents, to dealing 
with over $250 million in budget cuts when the economic downturn hit. 
Through the highs and lows, Walt Rulffes has worked to give the school 
district, its teachers, and students the consistency that must 
accompany a quality education.
  The recognition of his work has gone far beyond the borders of the 
Silver State. Just this year, he was one of the four finalists for 
National Superintendent of the Year, awarded by American Association of 
School Administrators. In making their selection, the judges cited 
student achievement, his empowerment program, fiscal responsibility, 
and staff development in the nation's fifth largest school district. I 
congratulate him on this honor and appreciate all the improvements he 
has brought to the district.
  I join with my fellow Nevadans in honoring Walt for his great work as 
Superintendent of Clark County Schools. ``My whole obsession in Nevada 
has been to increase the number and quality of our graduates,'' he once 
noted. For that, we will always be grateful.

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