[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E129-E130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE SERVICE OF MICHAEL FINE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK TAKANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2026

  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an individual whose 
steady leadership, unwavering integrity, and unmatched expertise have 
strengthened the fiscal health of California's public education system. 
For more than four decades, Michael Fine has served as a guardian of 
public trust, ensuring that schools, county offices of education, and 
community colleges are positioned to make sound, transparent, and 
equitable financial decisions for the benefit of every student.
  Mr. Fine's career spans a broad and distinguished range of roles, 
beginning in private-sector finance before moving into public 
education, where he served as a chief business official, deputy 
superintendent, and interim superintendent in districts of varying size 
and complexity, including the Riverside Unified

[[Page E130]]

School District. These roles shaped his understanding of how 
governance, community expectations, and financial stewardship 
intersect, and they helped build the pragmatic, student-centered 
approach that has defined his leadership.
  In 2015, Mr. Fine joined the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance 
Team as its chief administrative officer. Two years later, he became 
FCMAT's chief executive officer, leading the organization through a 
period of extraordinary growth, innovation, and modernization. Under 
his direction, FCMAT strengthened its statewide role as California's 
foremost fiscal oversight and assistance agency, supporting TK-14 
institutions with tools, training, and expert guidance that have become 
indispensable across the state.
  During his tenure, Mr. Fine oversaw the expansion and refinement of 
FCMAT's fiscal tools, including updates to the multiyear financial 
projection software, enhancements to the fiscal health risk analyses, 
and improvements to charter school oversight guidance. He championed 
increased clarity, accessibility, and transparency in all FCMAT 
products, ensuring that leaders--from superintendents to school board 
members to chief business officials--could rely on timely, accurate 
information to guide their decisions.
  Mr. Fine also strengthened FCMAT's essential role in California's 
system of fiscal oversight under Assembly Bill 1200. His clear, data-
driven communication with state agencies, county offices, and local 
educational leaders has been crucial in responding to structural 
deficits, declining enrollment, and rising pension, benefit, and 
operating costs. He is widely recognized for his candor, clarity, and 
willingness to address complex issues head-on, always with the goal of 
supporting stability and avoiding harm to students.
  A defining aspect of Mr. Fine's legacy is his deep commitment to 
developing the next generation of fiscal and operational leaders. Under 
his leadership, the CBO Mentor Program expanded, diversified, and 
strengthened pathways for emerging leaders in both K-12 and community 
college systems. His belief that strong fiscal systems depend on strong 
people has shaped FCMAT's culture and helped elevate the value of 
professional learning statewide.
  Within FCMAT, Mr. Fine fostered a culture rooted in collaboration, 
excellence, and public service. He cultivated a team of analysts, data 
specialists, and operational experts whose work is respected across the 
state. Colleagues consistently describe him as principled, steady, and 
deeply dedicated to the mission of supporting sound governance and 
fiscal solvency throughout California's education system.
  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Fine is a devoted 
husband, father, and community member. His service on local boards, 
commissions, and philanthropic organizations reflects the same 
commitment to public well-being that has guided his professional life. 
His belief in the power of strong, well-managed public institutions has 
been a constant throughout his career.
  As Mr. Fine prepares to retire in 2026, his impact on California's 
schools and colleges will endure far beyond his tenure. The systems he 
strengthened, the leaders he mentored, and the culture of integrity he 
championed at FCMAT will continue to support stable, transparent, 
student-centered decision-making across the state for years to come.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Michael Fine for his 
extraordinary service, his steady leadership, and his enduring 
contributions to California's students, families, and communities. His 
work has safeguarded the fiscal health of our education system and 
strengthened the foundation upon which our public schools depend.

                          ____________________