As a special guest of the Kids in Need Store event, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., spoke Monday at the Griffin Auditorium, which was packed with Griffin-Spalding County School System teachers and administrators.

“I’m indeed privileged to be here. You folks are my heroes,” said Chambliss, who added that he comes from a family of educators.

In reference to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the senator highlighted the contributions of special education teachers.

“They are indeed special for what they do every day,” he said.

He said he has been working hard for special-education students to be tested at their actual skill level rather than their grade level.

Then he praised the Education Celebration and its impact on teachers.

“I know how much you have to spend each year for your own kids. It’s a great program you have here. That’s a tremendous effort by this community,” he said.

In a later interview, Chambliss compared teachers with members of the U.S. military in terms of their value to the nation.

Ken Studdard, a commercial printer from Lilburn, was among those who saw Chambliss speak.

“I’m one of the sponsors,” he said when asked why he had come so far. “We do some work for Norcom.”

He described Chambliss’ speech as “terrific.” He was impressed with Chambliss’ work on the educational system.

Griffin-Spalding County School System Superintendent Curtis Jones also attended the speech.

“I was impressed by the senator’s awareness of No Child Left Behind and its complications,” he said.