Recognizing Rico Munn
Floor Speech
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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Rico Munn, Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools. At the end of the 2023 school year, Rico will step down as Superintendent to act in a supportive capacity to the district.
For more than nine years, Rico has served at the helm of the Aurora Public School (APS) district. He stepped into the role after the Aurora theater shooting when the community and many APS students were grieving. Years later, school districts were faced with an unprecedented pandemic, closing their doors to in-person learning for nearly two years. Rico worked with others in the APS system to develop a response to the pandemic that ensured students had the resources they needed to succeed.
APS is one of the largest and most diverse districts in Colorado, and Rico has always understood the importance of advocating relentlessly for and supporting the people, policies, and practices that lead to student success. Since 2013, when Rico stepped into the role of superintendent, APS has made strides in eliminating the graduation equity gap, increasing graduation rates, and decreasing dropouts.
In 2019, Rico was named Colorado's ``Superintendent of the Year'' and Aurora's ``Man of the Year''--highlighting Rico's dedication to the students and teachers of APS, as well as the improvements and changes that occurred under his leadership.
Outside of his work as Superintendent, Rico also has an extensive history fighting for social justice causes. He served on the board of the ACLU-Denver and was principal author of the Denver Police Department's first policy against ``Biased Policing.'' Additionally, Rico is active in many nonprofits across Colorado.
I commend and thank Rico for his years of service to the students, teachers, and families of the APS system, as well as his continued dedication to our community. As Rico transitions to a supporting role in the APS system, may his experience and commitment to students continue to be an immense asset in the years ahead.
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