"I believe that student improvement begins with raising expectations." -Monina Diaz

By Monina Antonia Diaz

I have always had a passion for education and the hidden potential of each individual. I grew up in Monrovia Schools (Wildrose, Clifton, Monrovia High) and thought I would become a teacher. In college, my interest in education remained. I attended Princeton University and majored in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs with a focus on school reform. I studied US domestic education policy as well as immigrant education policy in regard to Arab immigrants in France.

Having returned home to Monrovia, I now work with junior high and high school students to assist them in preparing for the college application process. As a member of Princeton's Alumni Network, I interview local students for admission to Princeton.

As the appointed incumbent, I have already begun to use my studies and my experiences to contribute to the Monrovia School Board and the enefit Monrovia schools.

Vision

I envision a future Monrovia school system that each year graduates the brightest students in the nation. Our students would make significant contributions in diverse fields and thrive even throughout societal and economic change. Our students would develop character as they overcome challenges. Monrovia's community would enjoy the economic and philanthropic benefits stimulated by the strength of our prestigious schools.

Challenges

Monrovia Unified already enjoys many successes:
a cooperative and communicative staff
a culture willing to change
a unique and safe community

Building on our successes, we must address certain challenges...

• Increase test scores and help all students to reach standards
• Prepare students for college, work and beyond
• Obtain and retain qualified teachers
• Acquire funding for school renovations
• Address minority achievement gap, shifting demographics and changing family structure
• Meet the needs of English language learners and gifted students among others
• Institute more arts, music, and culture

• Raise Expectations
  Hold the highest expectations and standards for all students

• Expand Partnerships
  Further partnerships with alumni, businesses, civic organizations, city government and community members

• Develop Widespread Parental Involvement
  Encourage parental involvement in student work at home and school

• Foster Student Pride in Learning
  Cultivate student desire to learn

• Create Solutions Cooperatively
  Work with teachers, principals and all district employees to increase student achievement

• Generate Funding
  Increase funding to the schools from a variety of sources

MONINA DIAZ for the Monrovia School Board