We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to meet the candidates running in the Nov. 7, 2023 municipal election. 

Compiled by Ronni Newton

We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to “Meet the Candidate” – designed to help them get to know the candidates running for office in the 2023 municipal election.

Identical questionnaires have been sent to all candidates, and each profile received has been submitted directly to We-Ha.com by the candidate or the candidate’s campaign management. The responses have not been edited but have been formatted to match our publication style. Questions left blank have been deleted.

As profiles are received, they will be published on We-Ha.com under the “Government” tab. We-Ha.com is not making endorsements of any political candidates but we are publishing this information in order to assist voters in being informed and prepared when they go to the polls on Nov. 7.

If you are a candidate and wish to submit a profile, please return it by email to Ronni Newton at [email protected] as soon as possible.

BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATE

Name: LaToya Fernandez

Party affiliation:  Democrat

Family information: Married with one child ( middle schooler) and a dog :)

Primary occupation:  Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer City of Norwalk  and Restorative Justice statewide facilitator and trainer

Previous political experience: Community organizer and leader before becoming a Neighborhood Commissioner San Jose CA and “Adem” California State Delegate.

Other relevant experience that may be related to your desire to serve the community, and further qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I used culturally responsive teaching, parent input and community partnership to close the opportunity gap for students while Empowering fellow teachers and community members to embrace Diversity and Inclusion. As a result students grew over 2 years in reading and writing and became both proficient and advanced according to state standards.

I founded Youthhype, a community-based organization focused on empowering youth from marginalized communities. This group led youth voice on commissions and committees on a number of issues including  affirmative action, juvenile justice reform and the LGBTQ youth housing crisis. June 19th is declared YouthHype Day in Santa Clara California as a way to honor the 8 years of social justice change we were able to make.

Why are you running for office? I have had every job in the school system from crossing guard, to tutor, para, teacher and administrator; I’ve had the experience of being on the policy side as well and am a proud parent of a West Hartford Middle school student. I think my diverse background gives me an understanding of all stakeholders when it comes to our schools. I have deep value and appreciation for school staff, families and students and use my insight to be objective and to support collaboration.

What issue(s) are your primary area of focus? Issues I consider to be my primary focus are the inclusion of BIPOC students when it comes to equal access to opportunities. Academic excellence is paramount and students  tend to succeed when they experience cultural representation and inclusion and are encouraged to be fully expressed in a way that makes them feel safe and validated. I believe this in addition to diverse  workforce/career development exposure will not only close opportunity gaps but benefit the entire community.

West Hartford Public Schools, like districts throughout the country, has had the benefit of ESSER funds for additional services and staff to assist students with learning loss and other pandemic-related issues, but those funds will soon disappear. How should the BOE prioritize which, if any, services to continue to maintain and to fund in the future? (As a current  board member I wouldn’t feel comfortable answering that question  as I defer to the process of my board colleagues relating to this issue)

What is your opinion of the role of parents in shaping curriculum for West Hartford Public Schools? Parents play a huge role in shaping curriculum. Parents help us to be more culturally responsive and inclusive as they present from a different lense. The parent perspective brings us nuances that enhance or practice. As parents authentically share about their communities, homes, family and cultural history; it helps us to understand and celebrate the diverse identities of our students. Parents having clarity and connection to the curriculum will equip  them to be and feel engaged in a way that is both equal and impactful.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing West Hartford Public Schools today, and how do you plan to address it if elected? n/a

What do you feel differentiates you from the candidates from other parties also running for this position? I respect and honor everyone’s right to run and the work they’ve done to support their community up to that point. I would never put another candidate down. I will say that not many people have served in pretty much every role in a school while being a parent. I think my experiences are what make me unique. I never thought about being in these positions but the community would ask me to stand up so I have and I will continue to dedicate my God given purpose to servant leadership.

Anything else you would like to share relevant to earning votes on Nov. 7? This journey started for me long ago on Capen and Enfield street in Hartford when my mother desired more for her kids than she had. Educators, lawyers and policy makers advocated for students like me to have an equal opportunity for quality education and success. I was a part of the 2nd graduating class at a CREC college prep high school. This changed the course of my life. I graduated high school as a second semester sophomore in college and I went to college to receive my degree. Not only was I able to break education barriers in my family but generational poverty as well. Being home in Connecticut and running for this position is full circle as I now get to be that advocate for our community of students, families and teachers.

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