[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 73 (Friday, April 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. JOSEPH A. OVICK, ED.D

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 28, 2017

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Dr. Joseph A. Ovick, former Superintendent of Schools for 
Contra Costa County.
  Dr. Ovick was an educator for 45 years. He began his career as a 
special education teacher in Santa Clara County which was followed by 
serving in the county as a public school assistant principal, 
principal, and director of special education. He later joined the 
Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), where he worked as 
director of special education, assistant superintendent for student 
services, and associate superintendent for business.
  In 1996, he was elected county superintendent of schools. He was 
well-known for developing strong coalitions of educators, community 
members, and legislators in support of public schools, while always 
making it a point to visit countless classrooms throughout the county.
  Dr. Ovick's achievements in and out of the classroom did not go 
unrecognized. In 2005, Dr. Ovick was awarded the President's Circle 
Award for Outstanding Service to Education and the Community from the 
Diablo Valley College Foundation, as well as the Government Service 
Award in Recognition of Outstanding Community Service from Congressman 
George Miller. In 2008, the East Bay Leadership Foundation named Dr. 
Ovick Citizen of the Year, East Bay Awards. In 2006, he won the 
Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Region 6, 
Superintendent of the Year Award, and in 2010 he earned the ACSA, 
Region 6, Ferd Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award.
  Additionally, in 2008, the Contra Costa County Board of Education 
unanimously voted to honor Dr. Ovick by dedicating CCCOE's community 
school in Brentwood as the ``Joseph A. Ovick School'' because of his 
longtime advocacy for the needs of all students--especially those most 
at risk and with special needs.
  Community service was also an important part of Dr. Ovick's life. He 
was an active member of the Pleasant Hill Rotary Club, and served as a 
member on both the local Boys' and Girls' Clubs and Junior Achievement 
USA.
  Dr. Ovick was an inspiration and a friend. He passed away 
unexpectedly on March 30, 2017. I and the community will miss him 
greatly.

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