[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17] [Senate] [Page 23636] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]POCAHONTAS AREA COMMUNITY EDUCATION 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 Pocahontas Area 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. The Federal grant has made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students. The Pocahontas Area Community School District received several Harkin fire safety grants totaling $100,000 which it used to make hardware, electrical, and safety upgrades in several of their facilities. 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 Pocahontas Area Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education, Raymond Seehusen, John Behrendsen, Daniel Duitscher, Greg Fritz, Richard Garner, Darwin Eaton, and Jeff Kerns, and former members Jann Ricklefs, Timothy Cook, Thomas Nedved, Jody Lyon, Roger Witt, William Thomas, Stephen Baade, and Diane Harrison. I would also like to recognize superintendent Joseph Kramer, former superintendents Michael Wright and Dennis Pierce, and board secretary Diane Pattee. 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 Pocahontas Area 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. ____________________