[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 113 (Thursday, June 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E550-E551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING SUPERINTENDENT MARTHA MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2020

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Salinas 
City Elementary School District Superintendent, Martha Martinez, on her 
retirement after serving the state of California as a public educator 
since 1975. An outstanding citizen and educator, Superintendent 
Martinez has made an unparalleled impact in the educational community 
of the central coast of California and our entire state through 45 
years of service.
  Superintendent Martinez's began her career as a paraprofessional in 
California's Bay Area before later becoming an elementary teacher. 
After 20 years as an educator, she put her expertise towards work as a 
school administrator with the Santa Clara County Office of Education 
and Gilroy Unified School District.
  In 2015, she became Superintendent of the Salinas City Elementary 
School District. In this role, she has distinguished herself as a 
passionate advocate for providing all students, regardless of 
background, with a quality education that provides equitable 
opportunities for all learners. As a visionary leader, Superintendent 
Martinez not only holds students and educators to high expectations, 
but also provides her own endless support so that all goals can be 
attainable.
  Superintendent Martinez has also built strong support for her 
district in the local community. She has launched a citywide literacy 
campaign in Salinas to provide over 160,000 residents with a free Early 
Literacy App and mobilized leaders across Monterey County to work to 
end bullying. With her robust background in building local and regional 
partnerships, Superintendent Martinez was selected to organize Salinas 
Founder's Day, to celebrate the city's 150th birthday, and the Salinas 
City Elementary School District's Sesquicentennial Commemoration. With 
these two events, Superintendent Martinez brought individuals from all 
backgrounds in our community together to celebrate the City of Salinas 
and its outstanding students. Recognizing the support of the community 
around her, Superintendent Martinez is well-known to distinguish the 
stellar efforts of those she works with at every possible opportunity.

[[Page E551]]

  In addition to her work in her role with the Salinas City Elementary 
School District, Superintendent Martinez has been an exemplary citizen 
and community member. She has won countless awards, serves as a member 
and leader in many local and regional organizations, and produced a 
three series Leadership Institute so that others can learn from her own 
success.
  Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the dedication and work 
of Superintendent Martinez. I ask my distinguished colleagues to join 
me in recognizing Superintendent Martinez and to congratulate her on 
her well-earned retirement. I extend my most earnest appreciation to 
Superintendent Martinez for her service to our community.

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