[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 21, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E137-E138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING RICO MUNN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 21, 2023

  Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments 
of Rico Munn, Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools. At the end of 
the 2023 school year, Rico will step down as Superintendent to act in a 
supportive capacity to the district.
  For more than nine years, Rico has served at the helm of the Aurora 
Public School (APS) district. He stepped into the role after the Aurora 
theater shooting when the community and many APS students were 
grieving. Years later, school districts were faced with an 
unprecedented pandemic, closing their doors to in-person learning for 
nearly two years. Rico worked with others in the APS system to develop 
a response to the pandemic that ensured students had the resources they 
needed to succeed.
  APS is one of the largest and most diverse districts in Colorado, and 
Rico has always understood the importance of advocating relentlessly 
for and supporting the people, policies, and practices that lead to 
student success. Since 2013, when Rico stepped into the role of 
superintendent, APS has made strides in eliminating the graduation 
equity gap, increasing graduation rates, and decreasing dropouts.

[[Page E138]]

  In 2019, Rico was named Colorado's ``Superintendent of the Year'' and 
Aurora's ``Man of the Year''--highlighting Rico's dedication to the 
students and teachers of APS, as well as the improvements and changes 
that occurred under his leadership.
  Outside of his work as Superintendent, Rico also has an extensive 
history fighting for social justice causes. He served on the board of 
the ACLU-Denver and was principal author of the Denver Police 
Department's first policy against ``Biased Policing.'' Additionally, 
Rico is active in many nonprofits across Colorado.
  I commend and thank Rico for his years of service to the students, 
teachers, and families of the APS system, as well as his continued 
dedication to our community. As Rico transitions to a supporting role 
in the APS system, may his experience and commitment to students 
continue to be an immense asset in the years ahead.

                          ____________________