[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 88 (Wednesday, June 3, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF CYNTHIA SIMMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2015

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Cynthia Simms who is 
retiring as the Superintendent of the San Mateo-Foster City School 
District after a remarkable career in education that spans more than 
four decades. She has been an educator for 43 years and a 
superintendent for 27 years, 14 of them in California. Dr. Simms' 
outstanding leadership, vision and communication skills have benefited 
thousands of students, parents, teachers and the community as a whole.
  Dr. Simms was the Superintendent of the San Mateo-Foster City School 
District for four years overseeing the largest elementary-middle school 
district in San Mateo County with 20 schools, 12,000 students and 1,200 
employees. She hired 13 of 20 current school principals and three 
district administrators. Her priority has been to provide the best 
possible education for each child to prepare her or him for a 
successful life as a responsible, contributing citizen. She instills a 
wonderful sense of community by making every staff member feel 
appreciated through their significant role in accomplishing this 
mission.
  During her tenure, four schools were honored as California 
Distinguished Schools and eight school programs received J. Russell 
Kent Awards. Dr. Simms focused the school district on equity for all 
students by supporting and growing magnet school program choices for 
parents including STEM, STEAM, spearheading the transition of Horrall 
Elementary School to LEAD Elementary School, and expanding the 
Montessori program. She also adopted the Common Core State Standards 
that are designed to turn students into critical thinkers, effective 
communicators, collaborators and innovators. Always looking to the 
child's future, the district formed important partnerships with the San 
Mateo Union High School District, St. Mary's College and California 
State University East Bay.
  Dr. Simms understands that children cannot thrive academically if 
they don't feel safe or are unhealthy. This is why she implemented 
consistent safety protocols across the district that include security 
fencing, cameras, intrusion alarms and Columbine lock sets. The schools 
work closely with local police departments on gang resistance training.
  All students take music classes and healthy food is served at 
breakfast and lunch. There even is a growing number of vegetable 
gardens at the schools. Under Dr. Simms' leadership, the San Mateo-
Foster City School District cares for and about the wellbeing of its 
students on every level.
  Dr. Simms is credited with developing extensive communication inside 
and outside of the schools. There is a weekly letter to all staff, a 
monthly newsletter to parents, collaboration with city councils and 
local legislators, and quarterly reports mailed to every resident and 
business in San Mateo and Foster City. Collaboration, partnership and 
inclusiveness are core values in Dr. Simms' philosophy.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House of Representatives rise with me to 
honor Dr. Cynthia Simms, an extraordinary educator who is deeply 
committed to our community and to the future of our children. She 
tirelessly strived for excellence, harmony and the success of her 
students. Her expertise, energy and enthusiasm will be missed as she 
enters her well-deserved retirement.

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