Floor Statements

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Clinton Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Clinton Community School District received a 2002 Harkin grant totaling $1 million which it used to help build a new elementary school. This school is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. Indeed, it is the kind of school facility that every child in America deserves. The district also received a $100,000 fire safety grant for repairs at Washington Middle School.

Excellent new schools like Jefferson do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Clinton Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--James Tuisl, Dave Frett, Thea Engelson, Joani Kittoe, Wendy Krajnovich, Stephen Teney and Mercia Wolfe and former board members Bruce Ingram, James Bruhn, Dr. Donald Flory, Debra Olsen, Les Shields, Alma Mariano, Brian Angwin and Jennifer Graf. I would also like to recognize superintendent Dr. Richard Basden, former superintendent Dr. Randall Clegg, business manager Gayle Isaac, plant services director Gregg Cornilsen, Jefferson principal Bonnie Freitag and former Jefferson principal Michelle Pearson.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Clinton Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes, today, to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Dubuque Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire-safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Dubuque Community School District received a 2002 Harkin grant totaling $260,000 which it used to help install elevators at Fulton Elementary and Bryant Elementary. The district also received three fire safety grants totaling $654,089 to make fire alarm improvements at Dubuque Senior High School, Hempstead High School and Jefferson Junior High School and to make safety improvements at Washington Junior High School. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Dubuque Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education president--Larry Loeppke, vice president Donna Bauerly, Mike Brannon, George Davis, Otto Krueger, Adam Menning and David Patton, and former board members Parker Bauer, Michelle Covey, Eldon Herrig, Steve Hodge, Jay Schiesl, Ed Zaccaro, Karen Behr, Doug Horstmann, Tonya Thul-Theis, Tom Barton, Cammie Dean and Ted Strieber. I would also like to recognize superintendent John Burgart, former superintendent Dr. Jane Petrek, former executive director of business services Joseph Link, former manager of building and grounds Robert S. White, Sr., former Jefferson Principal Duane Frick, former Washington principal Art Roling, former senior high principal Larry Mitchell, former Hempstead principal David Olson, former Bryant principal Lesley

Stephens and former Fulton principal Roy Hansen.

As we mark the tenth anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Dubuque Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Emmetsburg Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Emmetsburg Community School District received a 2001 Harkin grant totaling $133,333 which was used to help build an addition on an elementary school. The district has also received $110,085 since 2000 in fire safety grants which have been used to improve the fire safety doors, alarms and smoke detectors in all their buildings. The federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Emmetsburg Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education Karla Anderson, Dave Van Oosbree, Kent Egland, Don Hagen, Steve Pelzer, Linda Tienter and Laurie Oppenheimer and former board members Gary Kauffman, Dean Gunderson, Mary Cooper, Mike Brown, David Kassel, Kris Ausborn and Steve Nelson. I would also like to recognize superintendent John Joynt and former superintendent Paul Tedesco.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Emmetsburg Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Maple Valley Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Maple Valley Community School District received 2002 and 2003 Harkin grants totaling $690,000 which it used to help renovate the high school into a new elementary school. This school is a modern, state-of- the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. Indeed, it is the kind of school facility that every child in America deserves. The district also received six fire safety grants totaling $148,300 to install fire safety doors and update wiring and fire detection systems across the district.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Maple Valley Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Kathy Dirksen, Ed Maier, Joanne Maynard, Dale Wimmer, and Tammy Flanigan, as well as former board member Tracy Hesse. I would also like to recognize superintendent Steve Oberg, fire marshall Amy Fratzke, grant writer Linda Steele, Heath Opfer of Radec Construction, and site architect Mike Berg of DLR Group.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Maple Valley Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes, today, to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Sheldon Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Sheldon Community School District received a 2001 Harkin grant totaling $500,000 which was used to help build a new middle school. This school is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. Indeed, it is the kind of school facility that every child in America deserves. The district also received two fire safty grants totaling $75,000 to improve their alarms, smoke detectors and fire safety doors. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Sheldon Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education Dan Van Gorp, Gary Ihnen, Kecia Hickman, Glen Goedken and Harlan Bousema and former board members Linda Porter, John Boender and Tom Whorley. I would also like to recognize superintendent Robin Spears, middle school principal Cindy Barwick and Gene Den Hartog.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultra modern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Sheldon Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Spencer Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Spencer Community School District received a 2003 Harkin grant totaling $500,000 which it used to help build a science classroom addition to the high school and remodel family and consumer science classrooms. The district also received two fire safety grants totaling $200,000 for a new fire alarm system at the high school and other improvements in schools throughout the district. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Spencer Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Edward Ver Steeg, Barb Van Wyk, Dean Mechler, Dave Schlichtemeier and Les Zobrist and former board members Ross Brockshus, Randy Van Dyke, Sue Harman and Scott De Geest. I would also like to recognize superintendent Greg Ebeling, former superintendent Glen Lohman, assistant superintendent Kathy Elliott, former high school principal Mike Healy and grant writer Mary Maly.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Spencer Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes, today, to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/

or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District received a 2005 Harkin grant totaling $400,000 to renovate two schools. The grant enabled the school district to build a new commons area and to add an elevator at the building in Shellsburg. The district also made renovations, installed air-conditioning and built additional classrooms and restrooms at Tilford Elementary School.

This project was part of a comprehensive multimillion dollar plan to provide the modern, state-of-the-art facilities that befit the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. The United 4 Kids campaign committee worked tirelessly to pass a $15.1 million bond issue to build a new high school and make improvements throughout the district.

Excellent new schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize John Anderson for his involvement with the United 4 Kids committee and generously donating 35 acres for the new high school. I would also like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Brad Allyn, Patrick Lyons, Kathy Tranel, Gerald Horst, Jo Sainbury, Todd Wiley and Tim Bird as well as superintendent Randy Braden, high school principal Jay Pedersen, Shellsburg principal Shelly Petersen and Tilford principal Jim Murray.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that this Statement of Managers to S. 3406 be reprinted in the Record with its endnotes.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes, today, to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Burlington Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire-safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Burlington Community School District received a 2006 Harkin grant totaling $500,000 which it used to help build a new elementary school. Sunnyside Elementary is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of

this school district. Indeed, it is the kind of school facility that every child in America deserves.

Excellent new schools like Sunnyside do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Burlington Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--president Thomas Greene, vice president Dennis Kuster, Gary Imthurn, Melanie Richardson, Don Harter, Linda Garwood, Scott Smith and former board members Tom Courtney, John Sandell, Joseph Abrisz, Steven Hoth, Jason Sapsin and Joseph Poisel. I would also like to recognize superintendent Leland Morrison, former superintendent Michael Book, director of maintenance and construction manager Byron Whittlesey and principal Terri Rauhaus.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have got to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Burlington Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes, today, to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Lamoni Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire-safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Lamoni Community School District received a 2005 Harkin grant totaling $500,000 which it used to help build a new high school. This school is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. Indeed, it is the kind of school facility that every child in America deserves. The district also received fire safety grants totaling $100,000 to make other improvements throughout the district.

Excellent new schools like Lamoni High School do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Lamoni Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education, president Bill Morain, Mike Quick, Dennis McElroy, Michele Dickey-Kotz and Dale Killpack and former board members MaryAnn Manuel, Alan Elefson, Bob Bell and Mike Ranney. I would also like to recognize superintendent Diane Fine, former superintendent Mike Harrold, high school principal Dan Day, grant writer Shirley Kessel, project manager Dan Boswell, as well as many community members who worked hard to make the dream of a new high school come true.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have got to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Lamoni Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes, today, to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Shenandoah Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire-safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Shenandoah Community School District received a 1999 Harkin grant totaling $526,231 which it used to help build a new K-8 school. This school is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. Indeed, it is the kind of school facility that every child in America deserves. The district also received a total of $64,189 from two fire-safety grants. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Shenandoah Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Marty Maher, Dr. Margaret Brady, Brian Maxine, Dwight Mayer, and Keith Meyer. I would also like to recognize superintendant Richard Profit as well as former board members--Ken Lee, Roger Jones, and Steve Berning and former superintendent Connie Maxson.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States

are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have got to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Shenandoah Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes, today, to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Shenandoah Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire-safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Shenandoah Community School District received a 1999 Harkin Grant totaling $526,231 which it used to help build a new K-8 school. This school is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. Indeed, it is the kind of school facility that every child in America deserves. The district also received a total of $64,189 from two fire safety grants. The federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration and governance in the Shenandoah Community School District. In particular I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Marty Maher, Dr. Margaret Brady, Brian Maxine, Dwight Mayer and Keith Meyer. I would also like to recognize superintendant Richard Profit as well as former board members--Ken Lee, Roger Jones and Steve Berning and former superintendent Connie Maxson.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have got to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Shenandoah Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes, today, to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the South Page Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire-safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The South Page Community School District received a 2002 Harkin grant totaling $298,650 which was used to help make improvements on the K-12 building. The district also received a $50,000 fire safety grant that was used to replace and repair exit lighting and smoke detectors. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the South Page Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--president Ellen Nothwehr, Junior Niehart, Ron Peterman, Deb Wallin and Karl Kenagy as well as former board members--Terry Carlson, Larry Murphy and Brenda Swanson. I would also like to recognize superintendant Joy Jones and former superintendent Iner Joelson.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have got to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the South Page Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, when I visit eastern Iowa, I often drive along the Mississippi River. And there, on any given day, one can visit this area and marvel at the sight of the mighty Mississippi River winding its way south from Lake Itaska in Minnesota toward the Gulf of Mexico--a total distance of over 2,500 miles. From this vantage point, high above the river, you see pleasure boaters and fishermen spending the day on the water. You can see river barges carrying Iowa corn and soybeans to far away markets. And most importantly, you see that this is a national treasure that needs to be protected and preserved for all generations to come.

The Mississippi Parkway Commission was created in 1938 in order to develop and oversee what was at that time called the Mississippi River Parkway. The Parkway Commission is the only organization connecting all 10 States bordering the Mississippi River, with a mission devoted to promoting, preserving, and enhancing the resources of the Mississippi River Valley, and to developing the amenities of the Great River Road.

This year, 10 States, including my home State of Iowa, will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission and the Great River Road. Among the many accomplishments of the commision of the past 70 years are the development of a Great River Road Interpretive Center Network, a consumer Web site, and National Scenic Byway designation for the majority of the Great River Road. In carrying out its duties, the commission has partnered with a number of Federal agencies, including the National Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

On the occasion of its anniversary, I wish to congratulate the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, as well as the commission's new national Pilot, Patsi Ramicitti from Bettendorf, IA. I am pleased that Patsi's energy and dedication to advancing one of the region's most vital assets are being recognized. May her efforts and those of all past, present and future members of the commission continue to strengthen the knowledge of and access to the incredible natural resources offered by the mighty Mississippi.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes, today, to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Central Decatur Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire-safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Central Decatur Community School District received two Harkin grants totaling $947,775 which it used to help build additions to two schools in Leon. The district built an addition to South Elementary which serves students in prekindergarten through third grade and also built the North Elementary addition to the high school. The school board is to be commended for thinking to the future by incorporating an energy efficient geothermal system at the North Elementary building. These schools are the modern, state-of-the-art facilities that befit the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. Indeed, they are the kind of school facilities that every child deserves.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Central Decatur Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education president Mike Frost, vice president Jack Parsons, Rose Saxton, Mike Stuck and Igor Takacs and former board members Nick Morrell, Gary Hayworth, Dave Smith, Brent Buckingham and Jim Lafleur. I would also like to recognize superintendent Tucker Lillis, former superintendent Steve Williams and key supporters of the bond referendum, Jerry Parsons, Gene Binning and Peg Erke.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have got to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Central Decatur Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them, and wish them a very successful new school year.