[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 138 (Friday, August 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING LISETTE ESTRELLA-HENDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 15, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my 
colleague, Mr. Garamendi, to honor Lisette Estrella-Henderson as she 
retires after 40 years of dedicated service to public education in our 
district. Her leadership as Solano County Superintendent of Schools and 
her lifelong commitment to educational equity have made a lasting 
impact on thousands of students, families, and educators throughout our 
region.
  Ms. Estrella-Henderson grew up in a military family in Solano County 
after her father was stationed at Travis Air Force Base. She is a 1980 
graduate of Armijo High School and continued her education at Solano 
Community College. She later earned her bachelor of arts in history 
from the University of California, Davis in 1984, followed by her 
teaching credential a year later. Ms. Estrella-Henderson later 
completed her master's degree in curriculum and instruction at 
California State University, Sacramento, along with her bilingual 
teaching and administrative credentials.
  Ms. Estrella-Henderson's commitment to education began in the 
classroom and grew throughout her career. She spent more than 20 years 
with the Dixon School District, serving as a teacher, program 
specialist, and principal before moving into district administration. 
In January 2017, she was appointed as Solano County Superintendent of 
Schools, becoming the first Latina to hold this position. She was 
subsequently elected to the role in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
  As Superintendent, Ms. Estrella-Henderson has overseen an $88 million 
budget while providing leadership and support to six unified school 
districts serving approximately 60,000 students. Her tenure has been 
marked by achievements in expanding educational opportunities and 
student support services. Ms. Estrella-Henderson was able to procure 
$15.6 million in additional resources for programs focused on job 
readiness, school safety, student wellness and educational equity in 
Solano County. Ms. Estrella-Henderson innovative approach to career 
readiness included launching the Innovation Lab at Golden Hills 
Education Center and establishing the Education to Employment program 
for at-risk youth. Under her leadership, the Solano County Office of 
Education was able to earn WASC accreditation for its Juvenile Court 
and Community Schools, enabling students to earn high school diplomas 
from fully accredited programs.
  Ms. Estrella-Henderson has been a champion for student wellness and 
safety. As Superintendent, she partnered with Solano County Behavioral 
Health to establish more than 50 school-based mental health wellness 
centers throughout our county. Ms. Estrella-Henderson has also worked 
with county health officials to launch fentanyl education and awareness 
campaigns and brought emergency response training to our local 
educators.
  Ms. Estrella-Henderson's service extends far beyond her official 
duties. She is an active participant in numerous organizations, 
including the California Association of Latino Superintendents and 
Administrators, the Association of California School Administrators, 
and the First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission. Ms. Estrella-
Henderson has also received widespread recognition for her leadership 
including the C-STEM Superintendent of the Year Award, the Beloved 
Community Award, and being named Woman of the Year for California's 
Third Congressional District in 2018.
  Mr. Speaker, Lisette Estrella-Henderson has spent four decades 
building bridges, breaking barriers and creating opportunities for 
students throughout our Solano County. Her legacy of innovation, equity 
and excellence will continue to benefit our community for years to 
come. It is fitting and proper that we honor her today for her service 
to public education and her dedication to our students and families.

                          ____________________