Nancy Navarro for Board of Education

Background:

I was appointed to complete the vacant seat for District 5 in December 2004. I have decided to seek another 4 year term. I have resided in Montgomery County, MD for 15 years. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and I am a 1987 graduate ofthe University of Missouri-Columbia. My dgree is in Psychology. In 1998, I co-founded Centro Familia, a community based organization whose mission is to assist the economic and educational development of Latino and other immigrant communities in this county. I was co-Executive Director of Centro Familia for 6 years.
My husband and I have two daughters who attend Montgomery County Public Schools.
I am currently a member of the Montgomery County Gang Task Force, member of the founding Board of Directors of "The Village" a non-profit co-location project. I have numerous other leadership and volunteer activities. I am the recipient of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce award, the Maryland State Department of Education "Women who Dare" leadership award, and other recognitions.

Goals:

I am running because I believe in the promise of public education to prepare our children, including my children, for successful futures. I believe that Montgomery County Public School's (MCPS)leadership should reflect the cultural diversity of our county. I believe that I can make a difference that will improve the outcomes for all MCPS students.

Issues:

1. High Expectations and Results for all Students
2. Greater Oversight and Fiscal Responsability
3. Authentic Parental Engagement

Grassroots Support:

My background has been in grassroots organizing. My campaign will be no different. I plan to speak directly to the various segments of the community. Especially, those segments that are often ignored.

DFA Values:

I believe in an "Asset" model of empowerment for our students who are low-income, non-English speaking, and/or of color. I believe that inclusion and equity should be the cornerstone of our public school system. I believe in comprehensive sex-education, and I believe that our student Board member should have full-voting rights.

The BOE is charged with oversight of the school system. Our budget is near $1.8 Billion but our Board office does not have staff that can provide independent fiscal analysis. It is impossible to truly know how we are spending our taxpayer's dollars, if we do not have access to independent information.