Romoland School District Trustee Cynthia Navarro said she is seeking another term on the board to continue expanding programs and resources for students as the district grows.
Navarro has worked in education for about 20 years, beginning as an instructional aide and paraeducator before moving into clerical work. She currently works as a secretary at Heritage High School and serves as president of the district’s California School Employees Association chapter. She has also worked as a real estate agent since 2016.
Navarro said becoming a mother changed the way she viewed education and encouraged her to become more involved. After speaking at a Perris Union High School District Board meeting, a teacher encouraged her to consider running for the board in the district where she lived.
Navarro was elected to the Romoland board in 2022. Shortly after taking office, she proposed bringing a dual language immersion (DLI) program to the district. The program launched at Granite Hills TK-8 School last school year with kindergarten and first-grade classes.
The program provides instruction in both Spanish and English, with the amount of English instruction gradually increasing as students move through grade levels. Navarro said the district plans to continue the program through eighth grade, and she would eventually like to see it expanded to other schools.
“This is why I’m here,” Navarro said. “This is why I want to continue because I want to push not only for DLI but whatever other program or enrichment we can give to the community, to the schools.”
As enrollment continues to increase, Navarro said the district is already discussing the possibility of building another school.
She also identified special education as an area where the district continues to need additional resources and support. Navarro said special education has remained a frequent topic during her time on the board as the district works to address different student needs and provide more support for teachers.
Navarro pointed to additional aides and discussions about sensory rooms as examples of ways the district has worked to provide more support.
Navarro also addressed concerns from some parents and community members about the visibility of board members. She said she visits campuses, attends school events and makes herself available to parents.
Looking ahead, Navarro said she wants to continue building on the district’s existing programs while looking for additional opportunities for students.
“There’s so much that we can still do,” Navarro said.
