[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 188 (Thursday, November 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      HONORING DR. NANCY KOTOWSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2018

  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Dr. 
Nancy Kotowski, who is retiring after serving three terms as the 
Monterey County Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Kotowski dedicated 
forty-six years to a career in education. Throughout this time, she 
made invaluable contributions to educational opportunities offered to 
students on the central coast of California.
   Dr. Kotowski earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University 
of Dayton, a Master's degree from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D. 
from the University of Southern California. During this time, Dr. 
Kotowski also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon where she 
was recognized as a ``Volunteer of the Year'' for her development work 
in education. This experience provided the basis for a lifelong 
dedication to improving education systems, especially in economically 
disadvantaged communities.
   Dr. Kotowski's career on the Central Coast began at the Monterey 
County Office of Education (MCOE) in 1992. She quickly advanced to 
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, where she served with 
distinction for ten years, followed by another three years as Associate 
Superintendent of Educational Services. Her dedication and distinct 
talent in these positions led to her election as Monterey County 
Superintendent of Schools, where she began in January of 2007. She was 
reelected twice as voters continued recognize her true devotion to 
students and unique ability to ensure that our education system serves 
student bodies that are diverse in culture, language, and socio-
economic status.
   As Monterey County Superintendent, Dr. Kotowski streamlined MCOE 
operations, secured numerous grants to expand MCOE programs, and 
implemented a new accounting system and solar power project. She worked 
closely with Monterey County's twenty-four school districts, local 
higher education institutions, and directly with community members to 
improve the quality of education delivered to Monterey County students. 
Dr. Kotowski's commitment to public service has been recognized by many 
organizations. She was honored with the Champion of Education for 
Students of California by the California County Superintendents 
Association in 2010, Public Official of the Year Award by the Monterey 
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in 2013, Talcott Bates Award by the Child 
Abuse Prevention Council of Monterey County in 2015, and the Summer 
Matters Bridge Builder Award by California Department of Education in 
2016.
   Dr. Nancy Kotowski's legacy of public service is impressive and has 
made an immeasurably positive impact on the lives of students on the 
Central Coast. I am honored to recognize this legacy, and ask my 
colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Kotowski all the best on her well-
earned retirement.

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