[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 92 (Thursday, May 26, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2750-S2751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KIRK MILLER

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I would like to share a few words 
today to honor an outstanding Montana educator who is retiring at the 
end of this school year.
  Kirk Miller has dedicated his career to bettering the lives of the 
next generation of Montanans. Over the years, Kirk served as a teacher, 
a principal, and a superintendent before being appointed to the Montana 
Board of Public Education where he later served as chair. I first got 
to know Kirk Miller when I was a State senator, and he was the 
superintendent of schools in Havre, MT. I found him to be somebody who 
was dedicated above all to the kids' education, somebody who knew the 
value of public education and always did his best to make sure our kids 
got an education that would allow them to compete in the worldwide 
economy. As Bozeman schools superintendent, Kirk played a key role in 
improving infrastructure for students for years to come. He championed 
numerous successful initiatives that supported that strengthened public 
education in the region and serve as a template for other communities 
to follow.
  At the end of this year, Kirk will be retiring from his most recent 
position as executive director of the School Administrators of Montana, 
where he has worked tirelessly to support administrators and educators 
across the State. Those who have been lucky enough to work with Kirk 
recognize that he has a knack for connecting with people, even those 
who have different views than his own. And his passion for public 
education shines through in everything he does.
  Under Kirk's leadership, the School Administrators of Montana 
established the Leaders Professional Learning Program, or SAM LPLP, a 
mentorship program that brings administrators from across the State 
together to receive student-focused, solution-based professional 
development training. The SAM LPLP has served more than 500 
administrators to date. As a former public school teacher I commend 
Kirk for his steadfast commitment to improving our school system from 
the top down.
  In addition to his work, Kirk has a lot to be proud of--in 
particular, the wonderful family he has built with his wife of 42 
years, Nan.
  A lifelong educator and a dear friend to many, Kirk has shown through 
his

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kindness and work ethic that he is truly dedicated to bettering the 
lives of the next generation of Montanans.
  Thank you for your service, Kirk; our Montana schools are better 
because of you.

                          ____________________