[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING MIKE MONTGOMERY ON HIS RETIREMENT AS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 
                      PRINCIPAL IN KNOXVILLE, IOWA

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2014

  Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my good 
friend Mike Montgomery on his retirement as an elementary school 
principal for the Knoxville Community School District. Mike was my best 
friend growing up in Brooklyn and has dedicated his life to the 
education of Iowa children.
  Mike earned his master's degree in school administration from Drake 
University and his bachelor's degree in elementary education from 
Central College. For 26 years Mike has served as a principal in the 
Knoxville Community School District. At Knoxville, he has implemented 
many successful education programs including all day every day 
kindergarten, 4 year old voluntary pre-school, and a system of support 
and professional learning communities for teachers and students.
  Mike has been a strong leader and mentor for the students and faculty 
in Knoxville. He interacts with students on a daily basis eating lunch 
with them and playing sports with them. Mike has also successfully 
built strong relationships with his staff and has personally hired many 
of the elementary school teachers in Knoxville. He has twice been 
nominated for Knoxville Community Educator of the Year. He has been a 
strong leader and champion for education throughout his career and has 
devoted his life to improving the lives of children.
  ``Mr. Montgomery'' has been a powerful positive role model in the 
lives of thousands of Iowa students, including my own nieces. His 
energy and enthusiasm inspire us to put students first and make 
education a lifelong experience. I'm very proud of Mike, and honored to 
call him my friend. I congratulate him on his retirement and I wish 
him, his wife Mary, and the rest of his family all of the best as he 
moves on to his next adventure.

                          ____________________