[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 114 (Friday, June 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE CAREER OF ADELA JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 30, 2023

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Adela 
Jones, a beloved educator and superintendent.
  Adela Jones has served the students of Sanger Unified for 36 years. 
She received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Fresno State, and 
her Master's Degree in Bilingual Education from Fresno Pacific 
University. She began her teaching career in 1984 and joined Sanger 
Unified as a classroom teacher in 1987. Since then, Mrs. Jones has held 
many positions within Sanger Unified, including Reading Development 
Teacher, Elementary Principal, Area Administrator, and Associate 
Superintendent of Educational Services. In 2018, Adela was appointed 
Superintendent of Sanger Unified.
  Throughout her career in education, Adela has demonstrated an 
unwavering commitment to the education and well-being of Sanger Unified 
students. One of her proudest achievements lies in the creation of a 
strong and dedicated team of teachers and staff who have tirelessly 
worked to meet the needs of students--particularly during the 
challenging times brought about by the pandemic. From the teachers on 
the front lines to the support staff behind the scenes, Adela has 
fostered a sense of unity and purpose within the district which has 
prompted an excellent education to every child.
  What sets Adela apart as an exceptional educator is the lasting 
impact she has made on the lives of her students. Many Sanger Unified 
employees were once her students, and they fondly remember her love of 
singing in class and the invaluable knowledge she imparted to them. It 
is a testament to her dedication and mentorship that these former 
students still cherish the influence she had on their lives. Adela's 
commitment to her students goes beyond the classroom, extending to 
supporting their growth and achievements long after they have left 
school.
  Under Adela's guidance, Sanger Unified has achieved remarkable 
milestones and received well-deserved recognition. The opening of 
Sanger West High School, the establishment of six community schools 
through an $8 million-plus implementation grant, and the distinction of 
all middle schools being recognized as Schools To Watch are testaments 
to her impeccable leadership. However, Adela humbly attributes these 
accomplishments not to her herself, but to her team as a whole.
  Amidst these successes, Adela Jones has faced numerous challenges 
during her superintendency, with the most significant being the 
unprecedented closure of schools due to the pandemic. The decision to 
keep students and teachers apart was undoubtedly one of the hardest 
moments she had to endure, but it also brought about a sense of unity 
among her team. Adversity has a way of revealing the strength of 
character, and Adela's leadership shone brightly as she guided the 
district through uncharted territory, ensuring the continuation of 
learning and supporting her community during these trying times.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Adela Jones 
for her dedication and commitment to improving the lives of many 
students through education. May we never forget her contributions and 
continue to be inspired by her legacy.

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