[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 10 (Thursday, January 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E59]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL WATKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 17, 2019

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Santa Cruz 
County Superintendent of Schools, Michael Watkins, on his retirement 
after serving the Santa Cruz County Office of Education since 1980. Mr. 
Watkins was the first African American elected as a School 
Superintendent in the State of California in 2006. An outstanding 
citizen and educator, Superintendent Watkins made an unparalleled 
impact in the educational community of Santa Cruz County through 35 
years of service.
   Superintendent Watkins began his career with the Santa Cruz County 
Office of as the Learning Handicapped Program Specialist, a position 
which set the tone for Superintendent Watkins' career as a visionary 
advocate for change and accessibility in education. After one year, he 
was offered the role of General Administrator in charge of the Special 
Education Programs for Santa Cruz County, where he worked to mainstream 
educational opportunities for students with special needs across the 
district. In addition, Superintendent Watkins pioneered and developed 
community and vocational programming through his role as Director of 
Alternative Education. Under Superintendent Watkins's leadership, the 
schools he developed have received acclaim and statewide recognition 
for their commitment to excellence. With the backing of his tremendous 
record as an educator, Michael Watkins was elected Santa Cruz County 
Superintendent of Schools in 2006 and is currently serving his third 
term.
   Superintendent Watkins' expertise in education also led to his 
appointment by the California Senate Rules Committee to the California 
Collaborative for Educational Excellence and the Special Education Task 
Force. He has also held statewide office as President of the Juvenile 
Courts, Community, and Alternative School Administrators of California 
for three years. In addition to his service in education, 
Superintendent Watkins has been an exemplary citizen and community 
member. He has coached multiple youth sports and sits on several 
significant local boards.
   Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the dedication and 
work of Superintendent Watkins. I ask my distinguished colleagues to 
join me in recognizing Superintendent Watkins and to congratulate him 
on his well-earned retirement. I extend my earnest appreciation to 
Superintendent Watkins for his service to our community.

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