[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E107-E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING PHIL KIRBY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 7, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Phil Kirby, an educator who has dedicated 51 years of service to 
students and families, with 47 years in service to our Lake County 
community. His profound impact on education, particularly for those 
facing critical life challenges, is a testament to his compassion, 
leadership, and lifelong commitment to learning.
  Mr. Kirby earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Sacramento 
State University in 1971, followed by a Master's degree in Educational 
Administration from the University of San Francisco in 1980. His 
passion for education led him to begin his teaching career at 
Sacramento's Holy Spirit School before moving to Pittsburg Unified, 
where he pioneered a Community School program for expelled high school 
students, helping to transform countless lives.
  In 1978, Mr. Kirby brought his expertise and vision to Lake County, 
where he provided strong leadership within the Upper Lake Union High 
and Lower Lake Unified School Districts for nearly a decade. His work 
in these districts laid a strong foundation for his future 
contributions to the broader educational landscape in Lake County.
  In 1987, he joined the Lake County Office of Education, where he 
spent 20 years spearheading programs designed to support students 
during pivotal moments in their lives. Mr. Kirby worked tirelessly to 
ensure that students had access to education despite personal 
challenges through his work directing the Pregnant Minor program as 
well as developing and directing the Community and Court program. His 
service extended to roles as Director of Child Welfare and Attendance, 
where he established the Countywide School Attendance Review Board, 
facilitated Crisis Intervention Prevention courses, and played an 
integral role in Lake County's Emergency Preparedness efforts.
  Even after his retirement from teaching in 2007, Mr. Kirby remained 
deeply engaged in education, serving as a member of the Lakeport 
Unified School District Board of Trustees and the North Coast Section 
of the California interscholastic Federation Board of Managers.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that we extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Phil 
Kirby. His legacy of compassion and commitment to education will 
continue to inspire future generations in our Lake County community and 
beyond. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here 
today.

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