Floor Statements

Mr. President, this fall our Nation's high school graduation class of 2012 took their first steps into their local high school as freshmen. The best research based on data from all 50 states tells us that \1/3\ of that class of freshmen will not walk across a stage and receive their diploma with their peers in four years.

Tragically we face a national high school drop out crisis. Every year an estimated 1.23 million students drop out of high school. To put that number in perspective, it is equivalent to the entire population of the ninth largest city in the country, Dallas.

What are the facts of the Nation's dropout epidemic? We know that if you are Black or Hispanic it's essentially a 50-50 chance that you will graduate in 4 years. This disparity exists even in my home State of Iowa, one of the best states in the Nation in terms of graduating kids in 4 years. According to data from the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, 58 percent of African-American students in Iowa graduate in 4 years--almost 30 points lower than white students--while the graduation rate for Hispanic students is only 54 percent.

Just as the data on racial and ethnic minorities paints a grim picture, a look into the Nation's graduation rates for students with disabilities shows many students continue to be failed by the system. The most recent data indicates that slightly more than half of all students with disabilities graduated from high school with a regular diploma. Those rates go down when examining different categories of students with disabilities. For instance, only 43 percent of students with emotional disturbances graduate from high school with a regular diploma. Bear in mind that many of these students do not have a learning disability, and with the proper supports and interventions they can achieve at the same levels expected of their non-disabled peers.

But these statistics may not even tell the full story. Too few States use a ``cohort rate,'' which tracks students from high school entrance through exit. Because of the flexibility in No Child Left Behind, many States choose to employ a method of calculation that produces inflated reports due to undercounting dropouts. In 2005, the Government Accountability Office first documented troubling and inconsistent trends in graduation rate reporting. Unfortunately, because we lack of uniform measure of graduation rates, hundreds of thousands of children are unaccounted for each year.

We owe it to these students to do a better job of tracking their progress towards graduation, and ensuring that they receive their high school diploma in 4 years. Census Bureau data shows there is a $9,000 discrepancy between the average income of a high school graduate and a high school dropout. In the middle of an economic crisis that is affecting American families' savings, an extra $9,000 would go a long way.

But looking beyond the individual impact, an education system that properly educates its young people and graduates them in 4 years provides economic security for the country. Research by Cecilia Rouse, professor of economics and public affairs at Princeton University, shows that each drop out, over his or her lifetime, costs the Nation approximately $260,000. If more than 1 million students continue to dropout of high school each year, in 10 years that will amount to a cost of $3 trillion to our Nation.

Clearly, we have our work cut out for us. Today I introduce the Every Student Counts Act, legislation that directly addresses the nation's dropout

crisis through the creation of one consistent graduation rate across all 50 states and by setting meaningful graduation rate goals and targets for schools, districts and States.

As we roll up our sleeves and get down to the serious business of solving the dropout crisis, we cannot waste our energy and our time arguing over whose data is correct. As I noted above, today we have 50 States with 50 different ways of measuring dropouts. In addition, we have many well-meaning education organizations with their own figures on high school graduation. It should be no surprise that they do not match up.

Take for example the difference in the graduation rates between those compiled by the independent Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, whose data is employed in Education Week's ``Diplomas Count'' annual report, and those currently reported by the States. While I think most would expect those rates to be relatively similar, they are not. In some States the difference between the two graduation rates is as much as 30 percentage points.

That is why the first thing the Every Student Count Act will do is make graduation rate calculations uniform and accurate. The bill requires that all States calculate their graduation rates in the same manner, allowing for more consistency and transparency. This bill will bring all 50 States together by requiring each State to report both a 4-year graduation rate and a cumulative graduation rate. A cumulative graduation rate will give parents a clear picture of how many students are graduating, while acknowledging that not all children will graduate in 4 years.

But agreement on one graduation rate is only half the battle here. Schools, school districts and States that are not already graduating a high number of students must be required to make annual progress to high graduation rates. The Every Student Counts Act sets a graduation rate goal of 90 percent for all students and disadvantaged populations. Schools, districts and States with graduation rates below 90 percent, in the aggregate or for any subgroup, will be required to increase their graduation rates an average of 3 percentage points per year in order to make adequate yearly progress required under the No Child Left Behind Law.

Before I conclude my remarks, I would like to thank the growing list of organizations representing the interests of children across the country who have signed on to support the Every Student Counts Act. Specifically, I recognize the Alliance for Excellent Education and their President, former Governor of West Virginia Bob Wise, who have been champions in the movement to improve our high schools and turn back the dropout crisis.

I would also like to recognize the work of my colleague in the House, Representative Bobby Scott of Virginia, who is the chief sponsor of the companion to this legislation and has long championed education for disadvantaged young people.

We have no more urgent educational challenge than bringing down the dropout rate, especially for minorities and children with disabilities. For reasons we all understand--poverty, poor nutrition, broken homes, disadvantaged childhoods--not all of our students come to school every day ready to learn. In some cases, it's as though they have been set up to fail. They grow frustrated. They drop out. As a result, they face a lifetime of fewer opportunities and lower earnings. Economically, our Nation cannot afford to lose one million students each year. Morally, we cannot allow children to continue to fall through the cracks. I believe the Every Student Counts Act puts us on the right track towards turning back the tide of high school dropouts and I ask my colleagues to support this legislation.

I ask unanimous consent that a letter of support be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, this fall our Nation's high school graduation class of 2012 took their first steps into their local high school as freshmen. The best research based on data from all 50 states tells us that \1/3\ of that class of freshmen will not walk across a stage and receive their diploma with their peers in four years.

Tragically we face a national high school drop out crisis. Every year an estimated 1.23 million students drop out of high school. To put that number in perspective, it is equivalent to the entire population of the ninth largest city in the country, Dallas.

What are the facts of the Nation's dropout epidemic? We know that if you are Black or Hispanic it's essentially a 50-50 chance that you will graduate in 4 years. This disparity exists even in my home State of Iowa, one of the best states in the Nation in terms of graduating kids in 4 years. According to data from the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, 58 percent of African-American students in Iowa graduate in 4 years--almost 30 points lower than white students--while the graduation rate for Hispanic students is only 54 percent.

Just as the data on racial and ethnic minorities paints a grim picture, a look into the Nation's graduation rates for students with disabilities shows many students continue to be failed by the system. The most recent data indicates that slightly more than half of all students with disabilities graduated from high school with a regular diploma. Those rates go down when examining different categories of students with disabilities. For instance, only 43 percent of students with emotional disturbances graduate from high school with a regular diploma. Bear in mind that many of these students do not have a learning disability, and with the proper supports and interventions they can achieve at the same levels expected of their non-disabled peers.

But these statistics may not even tell the full story. Too few States use a ``cohort rate,'' which tracks students from high school entrance through exit. Because of the flexibility in No Child Left Behind, many States choose to employ a method of calculation that produces inflated reports due to undercounting dropouts. In 2005, the Government Accountability Office first documented troubling and inconsistent trends in graduation rate reporting. Unfortunately, because we lack of uniform measure of graduation rates, hundreds of thousands of children are unaccounted for each year.

We owe it to these students to do a better job of tracking their progress towards graduation, and ensuring that they receive their high school diploma in 4 years. Census Bureau data shows there is a $9,000 discrepancy between the average income of a high school graduate and a high school dropout. In the middle of an economic crisis that is affecting American families' savings, an extra $9,000 would go a long way.

But looking beyond the individual impact, an education system that properly educates its young people and graduates them in 4 years provides economic security for the country. Research by Cecilia Rouse, professor of economics and public affairs at Princeton University, shows that each drop out, over his or her lifetime, costs the Nation approximately $260,000. If more than 1 million students continue to dropout of high school each year, in 10 years that will amount to a cost of $3 trillion to our Nation.

Clearly, we have our work cut out for us. Today I introduce the Every Student Counts Act, legislation that directly addresses the nation's dropout

crisis through the creation of one consistent graduation rate across all 50 states and by setting meaningful graduation rate goals and targets for schools, districts and States.

As we roll up our sleeves and get down to the serious business of solving the dropout crisis, we cannot waste our energy and our time arguing over whose data is correct. As I noted above, today we have 50 States with 50 different ways of measuring dropouts. In addition, we have many well-meaning education organizations with their own figures on high school graduation. It should be no surprise that they do not match up.

Take for example the difference in the graduation rates between those compiled by the independent Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, whose data is employed in Education Week's ``Diplomas Count'' annual report, and those currently reported by the States. While I think most would expect those rates to be relatively similar, they are not. In some States the difference between the two graduation rates is as much as 30 percentage points.

That is why the first thing the Every Student Count Act will do is make graduation rate calculations uniform and accurate. The bill requires that all States calculate their graduation rates in the same manner, allowing for more consistency and transparency. This bill will bring all 50 States together by requiring each State to report both a 4-year graduation rate and a cumulative graduation rate. A cumulative graduation rate will give parents a clear picture of how many students are graduating, while acknowledging that not all children will graduate in 4 years.

But agreement on one graduation rate is only half the battle here. Schools, school districts and States that are not already graduating a high number of students must be required to make annual progress to high graduation rates. The Every Student Counts Act sets a graduation rate goal of 90 percent for all students and disadvantaged populations. Schools, districts and States with graduation rates below 90 percent, in the aggregate or for any subgroup, will be required to increase their graduation rates an average of 3 percentage points per year in order to make adequate yearly progress required under the No Child Left Behind Law.

Before I conclude my remarks, I would like to thank the growing list of organizations representing the interests of children across the country who have signed on to support the Every Student Counts Act. Specifically, I recognize the Alliance for Excellent Education and their President, former Governor of West Virginia Bob Wise, who have been champions in the movement to improve our high schools and turn back the dropout crisis.

I would also like to recognize the work of my colleague in the House, Representative Bobby Scott of Virginia, who is the chief sponsor of the companion to this legislation and has long championed education for disadvantaged young people.

We have no more urgent educational challenge than bringing down the dropout rate, especially for minorities and children with disabilities. For reasons we all understand--poverty, poor nutrition, broken homes, disadvantaged childhoods--not all of our students come to school every day ready to learn. In some cases, it's as though they have been set up to fail. They grow frustrated. They drop out. As a result, they face a lifetime of fewer opportunities and lower earnings. Economically, our Nation cannot afford to lose one million students each year. Morally, we cannot allow children to continue to fall through the cracks. I believe the Every Student Counts Act puts us on the right track towards turning back the tide of high school dropouts and I ask my colleagues to support this legislation.

I ask unanimous consent that a letter of support be printed in the Record.

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 Charles City 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 Charles City Community School District received several fire safety grants totaling $377,303. The 2001, 2003 and 2005 grants were used to upgrade fire safety systems at the high school, the middle school and Washington Elementary. The 2002 grant was used to upgrade the electrical system at the 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 Charles City Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Mark Miller, Ralph Smith, Matt Spading, Bill Fenholt and Randy Heitz, and former board members, Sam Offerman, Dean Tjaden, Susan Ayers, Patti Emmel, Scott Dight, Virginia Ruzicka and DeLaine Freeseman. I would also like to recognize superintendent Andy Pattee, former superintendents David Bradley and Marty Lucas, buildings and grounds director Steve Otto and business manager Terri O'Brien.

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 Charles City 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 Logan- Magnolia 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 Logan-Magnolia Community School District received a 2002 Harkin grant totaling $1 million which it used to help build additional classrooms. These additional classrooms allowed the district to provide preschool, special education, and afterschool programs. 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.

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 Logan-Magnolia Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--president Dennis Alvis, vice-president Kevin Mann, Kelly Gochenour, Mike Branstetter and Dan Cohrs, and former members, president Randy Koenig, Kris Earlywine, and Jim Noneman. I would also like to recognize superintendent James Hammrich, former superintendent Ed Gambs, principal Jim Makey, principal Katy Sojka, board secretary and business manager Karen Jacobsen, and secretaries Mary Johnsen, Cheryl Greenwood, and Margaret Straight.

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 Logan-Magnolia 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 Nevada 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 Nevada Community School District received several Harkin fire safety grants totaling $ 154,000 which it used to install fire alarm systems at the elementary, middle and high schools as well as emergency lighting at the 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 superintendent James Walker, the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Nevada Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--president Curt Hoff, Marcia Engler, David Laird, Marty Chitty and Mike Bates, as well as former members president Carol Holstine, Dan Morrical, Renee Larsen, Laura Lillard, Bill Van Sickle, Jim Niblock and Marty Mortvedt. Building and grounds director Richard ``Scottie'' Scott, business manager Brian Schaeffer, and former superintendent Harold Hulleman were all instrumental in the application and implementation of the grant.

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 Nevada 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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa Community School District received several Harkin grants totaling $3,129,313 which it used to help modernize and make safety improvements throughout the district. Harkin

construction grants totaling $2 million have helped with renovations at several schools in the district including Ottumwa High School, Evans Middle School and Douma and James Elementary Schools. These projects have included new classrooms, new roofs, and new HVAC systems. 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 schools that every child in America deserves.

The district also received eight fire safety grants totaling $1,129,313 to make improvements at buildings throughout the district including Ottumwa High School, the alternative high school, Evans Middle School, Wildwood, Wilson, Agassiz, Horace Mann, James and Pickwick Elementary Schools. The improvements included emergency and exit lighting, new sprinkler systems, upgraded fire alarm systems, electrical work and other safety repairs. 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 Ottumwa Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Pat Curran, Cindy Kurtz-Hopkins, Carol Mitchell, Payson Moreland, Ron Oswalt, Doug Mathias and Jeff Strunk and former board members Cathy Angle, Ken Crosser, Bob Ketcham, Don Krieger, Andrea McDowell, Michael Neary, Steve Menke, Jerri Stroda, Bob Warren and Mark Zeller. I would also like to recognize superintendent Jon Sheldahl; former superintendents Joe Scalzo and Tom Rubel; business managers Dick Springsteen and John Donner; directors of operations Lowell Smith, Steve Propp, Darrell Reams and Danny Renfrew; and community programs director Kim Hellige.

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 Ottumwa 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 Western 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 Western Dubuque Community School District received two Harkin grants totaling $1.5 million which it used to help with several projects in the district. A 2001 construction grant for $500,000 was used to help build a new school in Epworth, an addition to the Cascade school to provide classrooms for preschool and kindergarten programs and for additions for career education to the district's two high schools. The district received a $1 million grant in 2002 to help build pre-kindergarten classrooms in Farley and Peosta. 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 in America 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 Western Dubuque Community School District. In particular, I'd like to recognize the leadership of the current board of education--Robert McCabe, Jeanne Coppola, Barb Weber, Mark Knuth, Gary McAndrew and former board members June Brandenburg, Tom Gassman, Dr. Tom Miner, John Howard, Nancy Ludwig and John Perrenoud. I would also like to recognize superintendent Jeff Corkery, former superintendents Harold Knutsen, Bev Goerdt and Wayne Drexler, director of buildings and grounds Bob Hingtgen, business manager Dave Wegeman and the members of the Kids First Committee, Cascade Area Resource for Education--CARE--and Bobcat Capital Support Foundation.

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 to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Western 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.

Madam 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 Adel-DeSoto-Minburn 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 Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Community School District received a 2003 Harkin grant totaling $454,290 which it used to help build an addition to Adel Primary School and to renovate classrooms in the building. 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 1999 fire safety grant for $75,000 to make fire system, exit lighting and electrical improvements in 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 Ade-DeSoto-Minburn Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education-- president Tim Canney, vice president Kim Roby, Sally Bird, Jen Heins and Steve Meyer and former board members Pat Steele, Darrell Weems and Paula James. I would also like to recognize superintendent Greg Dufoe and former superintendent Timothy Hoffman.

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 Adel-DeSoto-Minburn 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.

Madam 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 Center Point-Urbana 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 Center Point-Urbana Community School District received a 2002 Harkin grant totaling $125,500 which it used to help build a new health and fitness center addition which is used not only by the school, but by the community as a whole. The district also received two fire safety grants totaling $42,152 which it used to replace emergency systems throughout 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 Center Point-Urbana Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education-- president Carol Engelken, Mark Boies, Tammy Carolan, Scott Millikin and Dan Jones as well as former president Connie Elgin and former members Kelly Bonar and Todd Ramsey. I would also like to recognize superintendent Alan Marshall, former superintendent Richard Whitehead, athletic director Dan Rosendahl and board secretary Kathy Thomas.

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 Center Point-Urbana 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.

Madam 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 Corning 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 Corning Community School District received several Harkin fire safety grants totaling $193,244 which have been vital to the district's ability to maintain and keep buildings open. The high school was built in 1928 and had been cited by the State Fire Marshall for severe deficiencies. As a result of this funding, Corning Community School District was able to install an automatic door, a state of the art fire detection system, replace all the doors in the high school with automatic closures, and they are beginning the process of adding an elevator for students and others who use wheelchairs. 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 superintendent Mike Wells, the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Corning Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--president Gary Goldsmith, Ralph Morales, Lori Harvey, Dr. Anna Leonard, and Shelly Barton and former members Nancy Turner, Pastor Andy Rubenking, and Reldon Ramsey, along with former superintendent, Gregg Fuerstenau. Gary Goldsmith insisted that the necessary improvements be made and that the school provide a safe learning environment for all children.

In addition, I applaud the efforts of Gary Swartz with the Iowa Department of Education who provided guidance with the grant writing procedure and high school principal Kent Jorgensen who assisted with the grant application and who demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the students. Others who assisted the district with the Harkin grants are: Don Kenworthy, retired teacher/electrician who did much of the work and shared his expertise throughout the process; Dale Rohe from Feld Equipment for assisting the district in prioritizing needs and installing the fire detection system; mayor Guy Brace for his local support and guidance; and Chris Boswell, maintenance director who provided the labor force for the work and assisted with the repairs.

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 Corning 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.

Madam 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 Hampton-Dumont 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 Hampton-Dumont Community School District received a 2002 Harkin grant totaling $1 million which it used to help build an addition and make renovations to Southside Elementary. 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 safety grants totaling $152,000 to upgrade the fire alarms systems and make other repairs at schools in 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 Hampton-Dumont Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--president John Showalter, Kristi Wragge, Verla Pecha, Ryan Winters, Ron Raney, Scott Sackville and Stacy Miller and former board members Teresa Peterson, David Hannah and Harry Birdsell. I would also like to recognize superintendent Todd Lettow, former superintendent Leland Morrison, director of maintenance Vern Wirtjes, elementary principal Dick Nervig and board secretary Lisa Lewis.

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 Hampton-Dumont 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.

Madam 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 Highland 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 Highland Community School District received a 2000 Harkin grant totaling $500,000 which was used to help build an addition to the middle school. This addition is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. The district also has received two fire safety grants totaling $46,400 to install heat detectors, emergency lighting and make other repairs 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 Highland Community School District. In particular, I'd like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Mike Roberts, Cindy Michel, Robert Schneider, Ed Ossman, Kevin Engel, Bruce Temple and Becky Hanson and former board members Teresa Greiner, Sandra Duwa, Denny Klein, Vaughn Davisson, Craig Slay and Rodney Cole. I would also like to recognize superintendent Chris Armstrong and former superintendent Carol Montz.

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 Highland 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.

Madam 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 schoolboard members in the Washington 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 Washington Community School District received a 2005 Harkin grant totaling $500,000 which was used to upgrade all the facilities in the district including an addition to Stewart Elementary School. The district also received $200,000 in fire safety grants since 2003 for a fire alarm system at the high school and repairs at Lincoln, Stewart and Washington schools. 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 Washington Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Tim Orris, Patty Roe, Heidi Vittetoe, Deb Stanton, Eric Turner, Ron Goodwin, and Cathy Rich and former board members Jim Gorham and Vickie Reighard. I would also like to recognize superintendent Dave Schmitt.

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 Washington 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.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, just last week Congress passed a 1-year extension of the Department of Education initiative to buy back student loans from lenders who have difficulties accessing capital in the tight financial market. I was pleased to support the extension of this program which has injected more than $1 billion in capital to lenders and has had a hand in ensuring students have access to federally guaranteed student loans in the 2008-2009 school year.

However, the continued need for the Federal Government to prop up student lenders, many of which already operate at a profit, concerns me. Companies making loans through the federally guaranteed program already receive generous subsidies and a guarantee of 95 percent of the value of the loan. While extending the buyback program for another year will provide stability in the student lending market for the 2009-2010 school year, it raises the question of how much Federal funding is too much when there is a cheaper alternative that offers the same Federal loans to students.

That alternative is the direct loan program which issues the same federally guaranteed student loans without reliance on banks and lenders. In addition to cutting out the middleman, the direct loan program is far cheaper for the government to administer. According to the President's most recent budget, the cost to the taxpayer per loan through the direct loan program is $.77 compared to $5.25 through the FFEL program.

Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Kirkwood Community College, Des Moines Area Community College, and many other Iowa colleges, all issue loans through the direct loan program. I continue to hear from students and financial aid administrators at those schools that the program serves them well. An added benefit of the direct loan program is that in these troubled economic times students at direct loan schools receive their student loans without the worry of whether their lender will be there for them next year. Any college worried about loan availability for their students should immediately sign up for the direct loan program.

But the problem is deeper than any one school or lender. As our economy continues to falter and the cost of college rises, we owe it to our young people and their parents to provide student aid that is reliable, efficient and comprehensive. The Federal student loan program is one of the best investments our country can make. It should be a priority to provide those loans in the most fiscally responsible way possible.