Brenda M. Diaz
City/town of residence: Gaithersburg
Date of birth: None provided
Current occupation and employer: teacher at Fusion Global Academy, founder of Heart of
Joy Learning
Political experience: None
Website: diazforboe.com
Email: bmdiaz4boe@gmail.com
Social media links (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.):
X: @BrendaMDiaz4BOE
Facebook: diaz.for.boe
Instagram: diaz.for.boe
Why are you running for this office?
I am running because my life’s purpose is dedicated to providing children with a rich, safe, and thriving learning environment. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, I advocate for students, families, and teachers within MCPS. I bring the courage and commitment to hold the school board, superintendent, and MCPS central office accountable for upholding their promise of excellence. I will ask critical questions, have tough conversations, and drive solutions for academic success in MCPS, ensuring every child receives the education they deserve to flourish in today’s world.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight necessary to rebuild the foundation of academic excellence in MCPS. With over 20 years of teaching experience across various educational settings, from the pre-K classroom at a cooperative nursery school to public high school, as a Spanish teacher to social studies, substitute to curriculum coordinator at a private progressive school in Washington, D.C., from ESOL to AP, and even as a Montgomery County Education Association building representative at Gaithersburg High School, my understanding of different populations positions me to collaborate effectively with students, parents and teachers.
What is the most important issue in this race? How do you plan to address it?
The safety of our children while they are in the care of our schools is the most important issue in this race. With rising crime across the county and the number of serious incidents of bullying, harassment, and violence reported in our schools rising, we must ensure that our schools provide the protection our students deserve so that they can focus on their learning. I will bring back our school resource officers, supporting administrators across MCPS who unequivocally sought to retain the program in a letter directed to the Board of Education on Dec. 1, 2020. Our school resource officers build relationships with students, parents, teachers, and the greater community. I want them to continue the important work of creating a safe environment for our students, teachers, and administrators.
Transparency and accountability have been particularly challenging for the school system as shown by the recent sexual harassment scandal involving a former principal. How do you plan to help the school board rebuild trust with the school community?
I am committed to fostering transparent communication with the superintendent, ensuring accountability for achieving our academic excellence goals. Through regular weekly meetings, I’ll establish clear expectations and benchmarks, openly shared with the public, to guide our progress. I’ll institute policies for oversight, monitoring financial matters, hiring practices, and addressing misconduct promptly. Additionally, I'll facilitate open forums with teachers, visit classrooms, and extend time for community engagement during school board meetings. By implementing these measures and working collaboratively with the board, we'll ensure timely resolution of concerns and maintain focus on our mission of academic advancement in MCPS.
Do you have a child in the school system? What school do/did they attend and what grade?
All three of my children were at some point enrolled in MCPS. My eldest graduated from Poolesville High School and participated in the Humanities magnet program in that school. She currently attends Montgomery College and is a history major. My middle daughter is a sophomore at Quince Orchard High School, where she plays softball. GO COUGARS! Finally, my youngest attended Fields Road Elementary School her kindergarten year.
Are you an MCPS alumnus? Which school(s) did you attend? What year?
I am not an MCPS alumnus. However, I completed my student-teacher practicum at Ridgeview Middle School, ultimately teaching social studies at Gaithersburg High School for seven years.