[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 6, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E12-E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MICK FOUNTS, ED.D., SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF 
                               EDUCATION

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2015

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Mick 
Founts, Ed.D., San Joaquin County Superintendent of Education, who is 
retiring after many years of outstanding service to our community.
  In 1976, Mick Founts graduated from Humboldt State University with a 
B.A. in English. Four years later, he obtained his Master's Degree in 
Education and two credentials: Administrative and Pupil Personnel 
Services. Mick was awarded his Doctor of Education degree from 
University of the Pacific in 1995. During his 38 year career in 
education he has been an English classroom teacher, high school and 
college football coach, assistant principal for a continuation school, 
assistant principal for a comprehensive high school, a Coordinator of 
Child Welfare and Attendance, a Director of Alternative Programs, an 
Assistant Superintendent of Alternative Education Programs and 
Charters, an Associate Superintendent of County Operated Schools and 
Programs, Deputy Superintendent of San Joaquin County Office of 
Education Student Programs and Services, and in 2010 was elected as San 
Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools. As Superintendent of Schools, 
Founts is charged with the ultimate responsibility for all activities 
of San Joaquin County Office of Education.
  In 1991 Mick began the San Joaquin County Office of Education 
Community School Program. The ``one.Program'' includes Court School as 
well as Community School and is recognized throughout the State as an 
innovative alternative education program. It now serves more than 1,500 
at-risk students working to overcome obstacles leading to a high school 
diploma. Mick was the Juvenile Court, Community, and Alternative School 
Administrators of California President elect (1996-97), President 
(1997-1998), and Past President (1998-1999).
  Superintendent Founts has either authorized or developed some of the 
most unique public charter schools in California. These include 
agricultural academies, technology sites, fine and performing arts high 
schools, collegiate sports academies, career and technical education 
academies, and many more . . . all within San Joaquin County. Dr. 
Founts currently served as a Commissioner on the California State Board 
of Education Advisory Commission on Charter Schools. His commitment to 
Career and Technical Education, Agriculture, Migrant Education, 
Technology, and Outdoor Education is constant, as is his commitment to 
Teachers College of San Joaquin; the first college operated by a County 
Office of education. This commitment extends to the many events that 
SJCOE sponsors for students throughout the County: Academic Decathlon, 
Science Olympiad, Math Olympiad, Mock Trial, as well as the local and 
State Spelling Bee, to name just a few.
  In 2013, he was one of twenty Superintendents to work with Governor 
Brown to support the reform effort aimed at bringing more money to 
children in our schools. In addition, he championed a variety of 
programs to fill the void in operations and support programs created 
from budget cuts in sports, technology, and art clinics, as well as 
helped fundraise to send more than 200 students to Outdoor Education by 
way of fundraising.
  Also during his term as San Joaquin County Office of Education 
Superintendent, Mick served as an environmental steward for schools by 
designing a cutting edge Solar Parking Lot linked to the SJCOE Clean 
Transportation Technologies Academy and New Energy Academy funded by a 
partnership between PG&E, SJCOE, and California Department of 
Education. Its curriculum is devoted to renewable energy and green 
technology topics with the goal of giving students a foundation for 
college and jobs in the clean tech industry.
  Superintendent Founts was instrumental in the formation of the 
County's career academy concept that will prepare kids for work and 
college. His vision created a state-of-the-art career and technical 
education facility along with regional occupational programs and 
centers such as Career Academy of Cosmetology. In addition, through SJ 
Building Futures Academy and SJ Regional Conservation Corps, he helped 
give young adults viable work skills as well as keeping them off the 
street by providing a second chance at a high school diploma.
  Like his taste for variety in education, Mick also enjoys an array of 
hobbies. In addition to his career in education, he is a ranch owner 
and farmer for his family's South African Boer Goat business Biggy 
Farms and regularly competes in National livestock shows. Mick played 
and coached both high school and college football and continues to 
enjoy sports. He can often be found at a local football or basketball 
game. Mick was raised in a musical family and played in bands during 
his younger years. He continues to play the guitar for his own 
enjoyment and has an appreciation for many different musical styles. He 
also has a love for Victorian homes and he and his family have enjoyed 
restoring one on their own property.
  Mick's impact on students covers many years and it is not unusual to 
hear grown men refer to him as ``coach'' to this day. Previous students 
often call his office or stop by to share that they would not be where 
they are today had it not been for his influence. When Mick retires at 
the end of his term, he leaves a legacy that spans many generations.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the 
outstanding contributions made to education and the San Joaquin 
community by Superintendent Mick Founts and

[[Page E13]]

hereby wish him continued success in his retirement.

                          ____________________