[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 36 (Monday, February 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE BAKERSFIELD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

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                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 28, 2022

  Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bakersfield 
City School District as they celebrate the grand opening of Dr. Martin 
Luther King Jr. Elementary School.
  Bakersfield City School District was established in 1867 with 17 
students. Today, it is the largest elementary school district in 
California and serves over 30,000 students in the Central Valley.
  The Bakersfield City School District is a model of educational 
excellence, equity, and innovation. They've received several awards for 
their work, most recently the silver award in the 2022 Magna Awards 
Program. The school district also received the California Exemplary 
District Award in 2018, 13 Golden Bells awarded by the California 
School Boards Association, and seven schools in the district received 
the California Distinguished Schools Award.
  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School is the 44th school 
established in the Bakersfield City School District. Dr. Martin Luther 
King Jr. Elementary School uses a STEAM-focused educational curriculum. 
Their teaching methods are not only helping students prepare for 
industries of the future like engineering, technology, math, art, and 
science, but they are helping children of all backgrounds access new 
ways of learning. Thanks to the work being done by the teachers and 
faculty of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, the children in our 
communities will be better prepared to tackle the challenges of the 
future, develop new technologies, and advance our community forward.
  I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in 
recognizing Bakersfield City School District and their important work 
to provide high-quality education in the Central Valley.

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