Tonight, the Monterey County Office of Education is voting on the future of Navigator Schools in Monterey County — a decision that will directly affect students, families, and the availability of high-quality public school options in our region.
Navigator Schools has built a strong and proven track record across Santa Clara, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties by delivering rigorous instruction, investing in educator development, and thoughtfully using innovation to better serve students. Navigator schools are public, tuition-free, and open to all, with a clear focus on academic growth, student well-being, and long-term success. Families consistently choose Navigator because they see students thriving in classrooms that are supportive, challenging, and deeply student-centered.
This issue is personal for me. I am a former Monterey County student, teacher, and school leader. I've spent years working in local public schools and understand the realities educators and families face. Today, I work for Navigator Schools — and I also send my own children to Navigator. I wouldn't make that choice lightly. I believe in Navigator because I've seen its impact both professionally and as a parent.
Students in Monterey County deserve the same opportunities already available to students in neighboring counties. Access to strong, innovative public schools should not be determined by county lines. Navigator's presence brings additional capacity, proven practices, and meaningful options to families who are actively seeking high-quality public education for their children.
Tonight's vote is about more than a single organization. It is about whether Monterey County students will continue to have access to public schools that have demonstrated success, earned family trust, and expanded opportunity across the region.
If Navigator Schools has made a positive difference for your family, your students, or your work as an educator, your voice and support matter. Community perspectives are essential in shaping decisions that affect our children and the future of public education in Monterey County.