WHEREAS, Linda S. Cowan, superintendent of the Auburn School District, has enjoyed working in the field of education for 40 years, 30 of those years being dedicated to the Auburn School District; and
     WHEREAS, Linda has been an elementary teacher, junior high school teacher, junior high school assistant principal, elementary school principal, director of instruction and staff development, director of elementary education, assistant superintendent, and associate superintendent, and has been superintendent of schools in Auburn since 1997; and
     WHEREAS, Linda came to Auburn in 1978 from the Renton School District to be assistant principal at Cascade Junior High School after many years of teaching; and
     WHEREAS, Linda has been a member of the Auburn Rotary Club since 1986, including as club president in 1991; and she serves on the Board of Governors for Auburn Regional Medical Center, Board of Directors for the School Employees Credit Union, and Board of Directors for PEMCO Insurance; and
     WHEREAS, Linda has received many awards and honors, including the Woman of Distinction Award in 1992 from the Auburn Soroptomists and Citizen of the Year in 1992 from the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce; and
     WHEREAS, Linda worked with the Auburn Chamber of Commerce on numerous community projects, including a job shadow program, the Business Week program, and the annual Career Fair; and
     WHEREAS, Linda's interests include traveling, reading, playing bridge, and watching Washington Husky football games with her husband, retired Auburn educator Bud Kuhlman; and
     WHEREAS, Linda has a high commitment to the Auburn School District and its students, as she can be seen on a daily basis in school buildings attending student programs and events, reading to students, and encouraging students in their various endeavors; and
     WHEREAS, Linda has developed a strong relationship with parents and teachers, one built on the ideal that students are the key focal point of our public education system; and
     WHEREAS, Linda Cowan will retire as superintendent at the end of June, after 30 years of devoted service to the Auburn community;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate congratulate Linda Cowan on her upcoming retirement, and recognize and honor her for her tremendous work as an educator and for her years of dedication to the Auburn School District, the Auburn community, its students, parents, and teachers.