[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E549-E550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF NANCY MAGEE
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HON. KEVIN MULLIN
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise, along with my colleague
Representative Sam Liccardo, to honor the life and memory of a
dedicated community leader in San Mateo County, Nancy Magee, who passed
away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at the age of 66.
Nancy served as the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools before
her retirement earlier this year. She was first elected in 2018 and led
the San Mateo County Office of Education for eight years. Her
extraordinary leadership was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic,
advancing multiple initiatives, supporting the transition to distance
learning and back to in-person learning, and providing a steady,
compassionate approach. Because of her efforts during the pandemic, she
received the Pillar of the County Award from the San Mateo County
School Boards Association and was named the Superintendent of the Year
for San Mateo and San Francisco counties by the Association of
California School Administrators.
Her work in behavioral health, environmental literacy, and school
safety was recognized by California County Superintendents, which named
the San Mateo County Office of Education 2025 Office of the Year for
medium-sized counties. She spearheaded the Coalition for Safe Schools
and Communities, establishing emergency protocols to help prevent
school shootings. Additionally, she was instrumental in advancing the
countywide third grade literacy initiative, The Big Lift, and other
major projects such as the United for Youth Vision 2030 Blueprint and
the Child Care Partnership Coalition.
Nancy was the recipient of the ``Golden Oak'' Award at the 17th
District PTA Founders
[[Page E550]]
Day Luncheon and the Tom Mohr ``Champion of Education'' Award from
Chamber of San Mateo County, highlighting her work in providing equal
access to excellent education for all in San Mateo County. Due to her
focus on climate change, the County Office of Education was the only
one to receive a California Green Ribbon Schools Gold Achiever Award
and she received the 2020 Sustainable San Mateo Sustainability Champion
Award. Nancy's guidance resulted in the County Office of Education
securing a $6 million state grant in 2021 to develop climate change and
environmental justice curriculum for every grade in California's K-12
schools, called Seeds to Solution.
Prior to her election as County Superintendent of Schools, Nancy was
the San Mateo County Office of Education's Associate Superintendent for
Student Services. She directly oversaw the educational services for
students who are in the juvenile justice system or that were enrolled
in the county's special education programs. During her tenure she
oversaw initiatives promoting mental health coordination, supporting
foster youth, Safe Routes to School, Career Technical Education, and
Special Olympics.
Nancy received a bachelor's degree in English from San Diego State
University in 1982 and played water polo in college. She would go on to
receive a Master of Arts Degree in Library and Information Systems from
San Jose State University. She coached high school varsity water polo
and taught in the classroom for more than 20 years. Before moving back
to the Bay Area, she lived in San Diego and worked for the Grossmont
Union High School District.
In all her work, Nancy prioritized her care for children, students,
and learning. She will always be remembered for her countless
contributions which enriched so many lives in our San Mateo County
communities. Nancy is survived by her two sons, Travis and Noah, and
two granddaughters, Avery and Emmy. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues
to please join us in celebrating and commemorating the life and
accomplishments of Nancy Magee.
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