Lake County supervisors honor educator Phil Kirby for 51 years in education

The Lake County Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation honoring Phil Kirby for 51 eventful years in education, 47 of those in Lake County, and the county received a congressional record statement recognizing his public service.

The board read and signed a proclamation that summarized Kirby’s career, noting his bachelor’s degree in English (1971), a master’s degree in educational administration (1980), management roles at Upper Lake Union High School and Lower Lake Unified School Districts, two decades with the Lake County Office of Education directing community and court school programs, and work on child welfare and attendance and countywide school attendance review initiatives. The proclamation notes Kirby retired from classroom teaching in 2007 and later served on the Lakeport Unified School District Board of Trustees; the proclamation was signed by E.J. Crandall, chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors.

Why it matters: County supervisors used the ceremonial item to recognize a longtime local educator whose work the proclamation says affected “many thousands of students and their families.” A representative from U.S. Rep. Thompson’s office told Kirby the office had entered a statement into the congressional record, extending the recognition beyond county proceedings.

Luca Moretti, a representative from Congressman Thompson’s office, presented a congressional statement to Kirby and said, “This has been read into the congressional record, meaning that your work will be part of the congressional record for the future of the entire nation.” Kirby, introduced as a retiring educator and former Lakeport Unified School District trustee, told the board he had worked for the students and thanked his family and colleagues: “I wouldn't have done any of this for how long I've done it if it hadn't been for the kids. My heart has always been out there for them.”

Several community members spoke during public comment and praised Kirby’s approach to discipline and attendance. Carolyn Jarrett said Kirby brought “compassion and open ears and an open heart” when working with students and families. Scribe Brown recalled meeting Kirby on the school attendance review board in 1994 and said students were “never afraid of him” because he held parents accountable while also supporting students.

Decision and next steps: The proclamation was read, presented, and signed by the chair; the transcript does not record a formal roll-call vote or motion maker/second for the proclamation. A congressional office representative presented the congressional record statement in person. The item concluded with brief board remarks and a group photograph.

For the record: the proclamation text reads that the board of supervisors of the County of Lake, State of California, honors Phil Kirby for his service and wishes him well in retirement.