In Honor of Dr. Carolyn G. Bukhair's Retirement From the Richardson Independent School District

IN HONOR OF DR. CAROLYN G. BUKHAIR'S RETIREMENT FROM THE RICHARDSON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 18, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. PETE SESSIONS OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Carolyn G. Bukhair, Ed.D., in honor of her retirement from the Richardson Independent School District. Dr. Bukhair is leaving her post as the Superintendent after serving 36 years as an educator and 28 years with Richardson I.S.D.

Not only admired by her own district, she commands the respect of her peers throughout the state. In 1999 she was distinguished as the Texas Association of School Librarians' Administrator of the Year. She also was the Region 10 Superintendent of the Year for 1999, and was one of five finalists for the State Superintendent of the Year award in both 1999 and 2003.

Dr. Bukhair has left her impression on the school district that she has so ably served. In recognition for her continued efforts, the RISD Board of Trustees voted to name the district's newest elementary school as 'Carolyn G. Bukhair Elementary'. Dr. Bukhair presided over many years of improvement and progress for the district. Under her leadership, the district maintained a 22:1 student/teacher ratio in grades k-4 for six consecutive years. It is so critical to provide in-depth and personal attention to our younger students, and by maintaining small class sizes; the Richardson I.S.D. has been able to better accomplish that mission. Small class sizes alone will not increase the education for students, however, when coupled with accountability in the classroom, our children greatly benefit. Dr. Bukhair instituted a strong accountability model based on continuous improvement of student performance and achievement.

I have had the honor and privilege of working with Dr. Bukhair over the last several years, and I will greatly miss her at the helm of Richardson I.S.D. I wish her, and her family, all the very best as she retires from Richardson I.S.D.