[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 8953] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN RECOGNITION OF VIRGINIA K. GRIFFIN ______ HON. ROB PORTMAN of ohio in the house of representatives Thursday, May 6, 1999 Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and recognize my friend, Virginia Griffin, for her 32 years of gracious public service to the city of Cincinnati, especially to the children of Cincinnati. After 32 years as an elected member of the Cincinnati school board, Mrs. Griffin had decided to retire so she can devote more time to her family. Although her decision to step down is understandable, her departure will create a void that will be very difficult to fill. A product of the Cincinnati public schools herself, Mrs. Griffin was first elected to the school board in 1967. She led the district through many tumultuous issues, including a contentious desegregation lawsuit shortly after her election, countless curriculum changes, and numerous levy campaigns. In the early 1980's, she played a key role in the development of the magnet school program to promote both racial balance and innovative, high-quality educational programming. She also is rightfully proud of the district's first alternative school--the German language academy. She has been a staunch protector of the district's magnificent art collection. She led the changes to keep this historic and unique resource intact. In fact, one of her last acts as a member of the school board was to make the Cincinnati Art Club in Mount Adams the caretaker of the collection. Her expertise in legislative and financial matters over the years made Mrs. Griffin an invaluable member of the Board, and it is in these areas that her departure will be most felt. Mr. Speaker, Virginia Griffin represents the best of public service. She served the city, especially its schoolchildren, with dignity during her 32 years of service. She deserves our thanks for a lifetime of work well done. ____________________