[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 26 (Thursday, February 5, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFETIME OF SERVICE AND LEGACY OF DR. CRYSTAL BONDS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 5, 2026

  Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Crystal Bonds, 
an extraordinary educator and leader retiring after more than 27 years 
of distinguished service to the New York City Department of Education 
and to the students and families of Southeast Queens.
  Dr. Bonds began her remarkable career in education as a teacher and 
mathematics coach in District 29, where she quickly established herself 
as a passionate advocate for student achievement and instructional 
excellence. As her career progressed, she assumed a number of critical 
leadership roles within the New York Department of Education, including 
Assistant Principal, Principal, and Master Ambassador Principal. Her 
success led to her appointment to Superintendent of District 29.
  As Superintendent, Dr. Bonds provided visionary leadership to 36 K-8 
schools, serving approximately 17,000 students. Her work was shaped by 
a profound personal connection to District 29, due to her own children 
attending schools within the district. This connection manifested 
loyalty to the community that supported her family and inspired her to 
drive positive change, growth, and equity across the district.
  Throughout her career, Dr. Bonds advocated for public education 
locally, nationally, and internationally for more than two decades. Her 
leadership as a K-12 educator consistently focused on promoting 
equitable education, experiences, and outcomes for all students, making 
her not only respected beyond New York, but revered.
  Under her leadership, the High School for Math, Science, and 
Engineering became the highest achieving public high school in New York 
City and New York State. Her devotion and dedication manifested 
numerically in the high school's rank rising from 30th to 1st during 
her tenure. From the classroom to the Superintendent's office, Dr. 
Bonds' championship of targeted support for educators directly closed 
the opportunity gaps students faced, leading to improvements in student 
achievement and expanded programs in the district.
  In addition to her dedicated public service, Dr. Bonds founded 
Changing Norms, Inc., extending her lifelong commitment to uplifting 
underserved communities. Her experience across elementary, middle, and 
high school levels bolsters her track record of excellence and lasting 
impact on education.
  Dr. Crystal Bonds' outstanding dedication, leadership, and years of 
exemplary service will continue to inspire those who follow in her 
footsteps. I proudly honor her lifetime of service and wish her 
continued success and fulfillment in all that lies ahead.

                          ____________________