Date: 2007-05-07
Speaker: DAVID DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Tennessee

Mvr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of House Resolution 376. which will recognize annually a National Classified School Employee of the Year and the valuable contributions of classified school employees. I would like to thank my colleague from California for her leadership on this issue and for introducing the resolution we are considering today. Like many schools across the country and in my district. the education of our Nations children is a team effort. Often. when education is discussed. we think of teachers and administrators.. However. classified 9chool employees. school bus drivers. food service workers. clerical and administrative staff. paraeducators. and facilities and maintenance workers protect and nurture children as well. Classified school employees are usually the first of the school staff workers the children see when they start their day and the last ones they see when they go home. They are the caretakers of our schools and community colleges. School bus drivers carry the most precious cargo. our children. Parents want the peace of mind that comes from entrusting the person behind the wheel in their childrens school bus. Getting kids to and from schools safely and on schedule makes bus drivers. mechanics. and other transportation personnel an integral part of our schools and of our communities. Classified employees in the office. clerical and administrative staff. maintain attendance records. answer the phones. and. interact with parents and school officials. School nurses help children with scrapes and cuts. assist with medications. and help keep accurate records of immunizations and students medical history. All of these school employees are vital to the success of our schools. Without skilled facilities and maintenance workers. our children would not have safe and comfortable places to learn. A lot of work is required to maintain a school community and keep it running smoothly. Custodians keep the schools clean. Groundskeepers keep the grounds safe for sports and other recreational activities. And facilities workers foresee and troubleshoot problems in school buildings. These classified workers provide a valuable service to our schools. Many times the meal students receive at school is the best or only meal they get each day. Food service workers play a significant role in the educational process -by providing nutritious meals for children. Research shows that good nutrition enables a student to meet their educational and physical potential. Paraeducators. librarians and other instructional assistants. support and enhance the work of teachers in all components of the educational process. The increased use of paraprofessional staff in education across the United States has been well documented. as has the change in their role from largely clerical to instructional duties. These professionals play a key role in ensuring student achievement. Together. with certified school employees. teachers. and administrators. classified school employees work hard to provide productive. safe and stable environments for our children that are conducive to learning. Classified school employees strive for excellence in all areas relative to the educational community. For that. I ask that we annually recognize a National Classified School Employee of the Year and honor the invaluable contributions of all classified school employees for their tireless commitment to the academic success. safety and.wellbeing of Americas children. and I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 376.