[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 91 (Tuesday, June 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING DR. TRUDY TUTTLE ARRIAGA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2015

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Dr. Trudy Tuttle Arriaga, a supportive, encouraging, and inspirational 
educational leader and advocate in Ventura, California.
   After earning a Bachelor's and Master's degree, teaching 
credentials, and a Doctorate from the University of Southern 
California, Dr. Arriaga worked as a paraeducator at Ventura Unified 
School District for two years beginning in 1974. She returned to 
Ventura Unified in 1981 to begin her teaching career. She taught 
special education at Mound Elementary School and from there transferred 
to Balboa Middle School where she taught general education and the 
deaf/hard of hearing program. She then became an itinerant teacher 
specialist at Elmhurst and Loma Vista Elementary Schools. Dr. Arriaga 
continued her career as a teacher and assistant principal at De Anza 
Middle School and later became principal at Sheridan Way Elementary 
School. She also served as principal at El Camino High School and 
Pacific High School. In July of 2001, Dr. Arriaga became the 
superintendent of the Ventura Unified School District, becoming the 
first woman to serve in the position.
   During her tenure as superintendent, Dr. Arriaga was able to enhance 
the quality of education at the district. Seventeen of Ventura Unified 
School District's 27 schools have achieved an API score of 800 or 
above, dropout rates throughout the district have decreased as 
attendance rates have increased. She also brought a focus on schools of 
choice and helped new elementary and middle schools focus on Science 
Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), leadership and the arts. 
Dr. Arriaga also brought a dual language program to the district and 
greatly encouraged the program. Now, many students are learning new 
languages and graduating with a multilingual seal.
   For over three decades, Dr. Arriaga has dedicated her career to the 
education and academic success of countless students. She is a 
passionate advocate for children and continually demonstrates her 
support and encouragement of students. When making important decisions, 
Dr. Arriaga considers every angle, striving for the most beneficial 
solutions.
   Following her retirement from Ventura Unified School District, Dr. 
Arriaga will continue her service and work for students and education 
at California Lutheran University, where she will soon serve as a full 
time instructor and as the administrator of the Education Leadership 
Doctoral and Master's Program. She has also accepted a contract from 
Corwin Press Publications and will be co-authoring a book on cultural 
proficiency.
   Dr. Arriaga's passion for education for all students is 
unquestionable, and it is my sincere pleasure to join the Ventura 
Unified School District in honoring Dr. Trudy Tuttle Arriaga for her 35 
years of dedication, passion, leadership and service for the students 
and community of Ventura. I wish her all the best in her future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________