[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 151 (Friday, August 27, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING JAMES MOUSALIMAS FOR HIS DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERRY McNERNEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 27, 2021

  Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing James Mousalimas for his dedicated service to our community 
and congratulating him on his retirement after 35 years in education.
  James found his passion for education during his time as a Peace 
Corps Volunteer in Niger, West Africa, where he was a teacher and 
basketball coach. Following this experience, he taught math in Richmond 
Unified School District and then embarked overseas to become a teacher, 
assistant principal, and eventually the principal of an American 
International School in Saudi Arabia.
  In 1998, James returned to the United States and served as 
Coordinator of Year-Round Education for Tracy Unified School District. 
Shortly thereafter, he became the Director of Alterative Programs for 
Tracy Unified School District. In 2008, James joined the San Joaquin 
County Office of Education (SJCOE) as Assistant Superintendent of 
County Operated Schools and Programs.
  James was elected as the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools 
in 2014 and again in 2018. During his tenure as Superintendent of 
Schools, James brought visionary ideas to fruition, expanding and 
adding new services to meet the needs of students, families, and our 
community. From advancing STEM education to furthering adult learning, 
James worked tirelessly to ensure the success of SJCOE schools and 
programs including the Greater Valley Conservation Corps, Come Back 
Kids, Teachers College of San Joaquin, CodeStack Academy, and the SJCOE 
FabLab.
  James has made invaluable contributions to our community, and his 
leadership has made a positive impact on countless students. He was 
instrumental in the opening of the Discovery Challenge Academy in San 
Joaquin County, which helps students who traditionally would have 
fallen through the cracks and allows them to earn high school credits, 
develop leadership, job skills, and academic skills while improving 
self-esteem, pride, and confidence. Additionally, James oversaw the 
transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep 
students, teachers, and educators safe.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing James Mousalimas for 
his distinguished service and in wishing him a happy, well-deserved 
retirement.