CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Liz Monterrey was elected to the CMS school board after a big shake-up on the board in the past year. Once the new members are sworn in, only two people on the nine-person board will have been on the job for more than a year.
In a district where 30% of the students are Hispanic or Latino, being the first Latina school board member is a big step forward, Monterrey told WCNC Charlotte anchor and reporter Jane Monreal on Flashpoint.
"The people of Charlotte to know that Latinos are here, and we live here and we're part of the system as well, so it's very exciting," Monterrey said.
Acknowledging there's been a lot of change on the board already, Monterrey, who moved to the Queen City in 2020, said a fresh perspective is needed to help increase student outcomes.
"When it comes to literacy, math, science, grades three to eight and our black and brown communities are the most impacted. Specifically, post-COVID, it's gotten worse," Monterrey said, adding, "We have seen some progress, but we need to continue to have our foot on the accelerator and make sure that our students are catching up and that they're prepared for the jobs in the future."
Entering a board that is still very young when it comes to elected leadership experience with CMS, she admitted the challenge is the learning curve.
"But, I think the opportunity is that you have a board that's very diverse in skill set, in perspectives and representation. And I think it's gonna be really good. I think it's going to be a really good thing in the long run," Monterrey said.
With part of the task having to execute the $2.5 billion CMS bond that voters just passed, she said safety is a huge priority.
The parent said, "We're going to update these schools so that they are safer, so that they're not open campuses that anyone can just come in through."
Monterrey said she believes CMS is headed in the right direction with clear goals.
"Now that we have that set in our strategic plan through 2029, we need to make sure that we're executing on that plan. And if we're not, that we're pivoting and that we're making sure that we get to that finish line, which is ultimately improving student outcomes," she said.
Monterrey said she is excited about connecting with CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill, adding she likes her perspective on the bigger picture.
"I grew up in a generation where college seemed like the only way to be successful. And I think so much has changed now and people are successful without having to go to college," Monterrey said, adding, "I think we need to show students that there's more options. And I really liked that. I really liked the idea that she has."
Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.