Marianna Valdez, who works as a researcher for an educational nonprofit, has been appointed to serve on the Durango School District 9-R Board of Education until the November 2019 school board election.
Valdez is national director for evaluation and research for New Leaders, which provides research and programs to help schools, school leaders and supporting organizations improve their data systems and conduct improvement efforts.
“I’ve always wanted to serve in education, and I can serve on a national level, but I wanted to be available to help at the local level,” Valdez said Tuesday during a break in a 9-R Board of Education meeting.
Valdez, 42, has lived in Durango for the past five years.
She said she was eager to help the district improve its trust and communication with the public.
Since childhood, she said, she has wanted to serve on a school board.
“School is the most important avenue for improving society,” she said.
Valdez replaces Joe Kusar as the representative serving central and south Durango in District D.
Kusar resigned last month because of health issues.
Valdez was the sole applicant for the seat.
parmijo@durangoherald.com
