[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 153 (Monday, November 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RETIREMENT TRIBUTE TO SOLANO COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS DEE 
                                ALARCON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 29, 2010

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, we rise to recognize 
Dee Alarcon, Superintendent of Solano County Office of Education, as 
she retires after 42 years of outstanding public service through 
education.
  Before being elected to serve as Solano County's Superintendent of 
Public Education, Dee Alarcon worked for 20 years as a teacher, 
principal and administrator in half of Solano County's six school 
districts--Dixon, Travis and Benicia. During this period she also 
taught at the university level. In 1998, Dee began working for the 
Office of Education as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction/
Public Information Office, then as Director ACSA Principals Academy, 
and quickly moved up to Associate Superintendent of Educational 
Services, then Associate Superintendent/Chief Business Official, and 
finally to Deputy Superintendent from 2001-2003. It was in 2003 that 
Dee was elected as the first female county superintendent in Solano 
County's 158-year history; rightfully, an achievement of great pride 
for her.
  Professionally Dee has been an outstanding leader among her peers. 
She is well-known across the nation for her expertise in professional 
development for teachers and administrators and her depth of knowledge 
has made her a subject-matter expert in curriculum and instruction. She 
holds life teaching and administrative service credentials including a 
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from California State University, Chico, 
and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from California 
State University, Sacramento.
  As Solano County Superintendent, Dee has directed and implemented the 
strategic plan for the Office of Education, developed and monitored the 
$64 million budget, and monitored the combined school district budgets 
of $500 million. In 2007, Solano County was awarded ``America's Promise 
100 Best Communities for Young People'' with the Office of Education 
serving as lead agency in submitting the application. It is with great 
pride that we note Solano County has won this distinguished designation 
a total of three times.
  Dee Alarcon also represents the Solano County Office of Education 
through her memberships in various professional organizations and 
committees. She was recognized with a Women of Distinction Award in 
2004 by Soroptimist International of Dixon for her outstanding service 
in education and to the community.
  Dee has been elected President of the ACSA, Region 4, and served on 
ACSA's state Board of Directors for 3 years. In 2005, ACSA honored her 
as Administrator of the Year. She currently serves as the President of 
the Association of Educational Service Agencies, AESA, Council and she 
will direct the Association of California School Administrators, ACSA, 
Superintendents Academy this year at the Solano County Office of 
Education.
  Additionally, Dee's experience in community relations and collective 
bargaining along with her amiable personality are assets in fostering 
positive and collaborative relationships among educational 
institutions, professional organizations, governmental agencies, and 
members of the community.
  When asked to comment on the leading factor motivating her to serve 
in the education profession, Dee explains, ``I have never lost focus of 
why I am in this business--for the children.''
  As Superintendent Dee Alarcon retires, we are pleased to have this 
opportunity to thank her publically for her remarkable leadership and 
dedication to excellence in education. Our children, their families, 
and our entire community have benefitted immensely from her work. Hers 
is a lasting legacy and we join together with Dee's husband Alex, her 
sons A.J. and Phil, her extended family and friends to wish her the 
very best in her retirement.

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