Who is Liz Monterrey, 2023 candidate for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board?

Name: Liz Monterrey

Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 34

Campaign website: www.monterrey4cms.com

Occupation: Growth marketing II

Education: Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance from Florida International University. Bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in political philosophy from Florida State University.

Have you run for elected office before?

No political experience outside of community based advocacy. This is my first time running for elected office.

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

I engage in neighborhood advocacy and volunteer work. Recently, I advocated for speed controls on Shamrock Drive after multiple accidents occurred. A few years ago, I initiated a petition to establish a dog park in my neighborhood, which was subsequently approved. I volunteer with local organization Block Love.

What are your ideas for improving student performance if elected to the CMS board?

If elected to the CMS board, I have a comprehensive vision for improving student performance that includes harnessing the potential of AI and machine learning to close the achievement gap. Leveraging my experience at a company at the forefront of AI and machine learning, I will advocate for the adoption of innovative technologies within CMS. These technologies will enable personalized learning experiences for each student, identify at-risk students for targeted interventions, and provide data-driven insights to support our teachers. Additionally, I will work to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to AI resources and devices for all students. Through community engagement and data-driven decision-making, I will strive to implement these initiatives, ultimately working to provide every CMS student with equal opportunities for success and closing the achievement gap. I have been closely following the development of the Student Outcomes Focused Governance model, including attending community listening events where the community has been very clear that student achievement is the greatest priority. I commit to be laser-focused on finding solutions to improve student outcomes and working with my board to be effective governance leaders to that end.

Will you support the $2.5 billion bond that will be on the November ballot for school projects? Why or why not?

I support the CMS bond for several reasons. First and foremost, I believe that providing our students, educators, and school staff with modern learning environments is essential for their academic success and well-being. Many of the schools included in the bond package are currently facing significant challenges, such as overcrowding, aging facilities, and the need for extensive repairs. Several schools within the CMS district were constructed over half a century ago, and it’s evident that these facilities are showing their age. If the bond referendum is passed, the allocated funds would be used to address these pressing issues. This includes constructing new, state-of-the-art classrooms, renovating heating and cooling systems to create comfortable learning environments, implementing security upgrades to enhance safety, and providing new spaces dedicated to social and emotional learning.The benefits of these improvements extend beyond just the physical infrastructure. They directly impact the efficiency of students in the classroom by creating more conducive learning spaces. Additionally, they contribute to the overall safety and well-being of our students, which is of utmost importance. When students are comfortable, safe, and inspired by their learning environments, they are more likely to thrive academically and emotionally. I support the bond because it represents an investment in the future of our students and the quality of education they receive. In 1969, the board closed Second Ward High School with a promise to rebuild it. After more than 50 years, I’m proud that the board and community will right that historic injustice.

What’s your opinion on school book bans or decisions to limit the audience for particular titles. And how would you approach the problem if a parent brought a book to your attention?

As a parent, I trust the expertise of librarians and the systems they employ to curate books for schools. What concerns me is the prospect of individuals without the necessary knowledge and with political agendas being given the authority to decide what books my child can access in school. Furthermore, I question the true motivation behind this law. It seems to me that it could be more of a distraction from the primary goal of the school board, which should be focused on improving student outcomes. If a parent brought a book to my attention, I would refer them to existing policies and procedures in place that allow parents to opt their children out of reading specific books if they have concerns about the content. Ideally, as a board member, 50% of our time should be dedicated to a governance model centered around student outcomes. Unfortunately, this is not what is happening when the board has to divert time and resources to rewriting policies, especially when there are no clear key performance indicators aside from targeting our most vulnerable students and censorship.

How will you prioritize projects if the bond referendum is approved in November? And how would you approach deciding on major construction needs more broadly?

Prioritizing projects should align with our long-term educational goals and community needs, with transparency and accountability at the forefront of the decision-making process. Ultimately, my approach would prioritize student learning environments that are safe, modern, and conducive to academic success. If the bond referendum is approved in November, my approach to prioritizing projects would be based on several key factors: dollars available, facility condition, equity, and community input. First, the board needs to work with the County Commission to determine how many bond dollars will be released each year. We should not start a school construction project if we will not have sufficient funds to complete it in a timely manner. Second, I would review data on the facility needs each project is designed to address — safety, overcrowding, HVAC systems beyond repair, etc. to identify the most critical needs. Third, I would ask my fellow board members to review the priorities through an equity lens. We need to ensure that schools in underserved areas receive the resources they need to advance student achievement. Finally, with the information from the county and the critical needs assessment, I would engage community stakeholders, parents, teachers, and students in the decision-making process to gather diverse perspectives.

What are your ideas for CMS to foster good relationships with towns and different communities across Mecklenburg County?

To build strong relationships with Mecklenburg County’s towns and communities, CMS can establish community engagement teams, hold regular town hall meetings, and create advisory boards with community leaders. I hope to serve on the Municipal Education Advisory Committee once I’m elected. I have already been developing deep relationships in the towns. Greater communication is needed, and I commit to be engaged countywide. I am pleased that organizations like the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce are endorsing the school bond.

What separates you from you opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?

What sets me apart and makes me the best choice on November’s ballot is the unique combination of my professional experience, personal background, and dedication to our community .First and foremost, my 10-year career in business and technology equips me with the analytical skills necessary to tackle complex issues, manage budgets effectively, and achieve tangible results. In an era where technology and AI are increasingly shaping education, my expertise in these areas will be invaluable in ensuring that our schools are well-prepared for the future. Additionally, as a parent and the daughter of immigrants, I possess a deep understanding of the diverse student population in our district. Approximately 30% of our students are Latino, and I am committed to being both an advocate and a role model for them. This dedication extends to all students, regardless of their background, as I firmly believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education. My unique blend of professional expertise, personal background, and unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion make me the ideal choice on November’s ballot. I am dedicated to improving student outcomes, supporting our educators, building community and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.