[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 145 (Monday, September 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF RICHARD ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 2016

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Richard ``Dick'' Allen.
  Dick dedicated his life to educating and empowering California's 
youth. Through his 41 years of service as a teacher, principal, and 
district administrator, Dick touched the lives of thousands of students 
through his leadership and deep affection for his students.
  As you may know, Dick spent the first decade of his career in the 
classroom, followed by a transition to the administrative team where he 
rose from Vice Principal to Director of Elementary Education and 
ultimately retired in 1997 as the Director of Continuing Education.
  After retiring, Dick was elected to the Board of Education to 
continue his dedication to public service.
  Included among his many accomplishments in service to the Bay Area 
are graduating 2,298 students, opening technology centers, expanding 
tutoring and mentoring services. He also helped implement a classroom 
for a language lab, fought to replace playground equipment, and began 
districtwide training in emergency preparation and crisis management. 
During his tenure, Walnut Acres Elementary was named a Federal No Child 
Left Behind Blue Ribbon School, the Board of Education received a 
California Council for Adult Education's ``Friend of Education'' award, 
and improved test scores at almost all grade levels.
  In addition to his role in our schools, Dick was a District Delegate 
to the California School Board Association, a Chair-elect of the 
Concord Chamber of Commerce, a Court Appointed Special Advocate on the 
Board of Directors, and a foster child educational advocate.
  Dick's long and decorated career is a testament to his values and 
dedication to education. I am saddened to hear of his passing, but his 
legacy will live on in Contra Costa County.

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