Maritsa Alger is a candidate for Newport News School Board – South. His name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.

Alger currently sits on Newport News School Board. There are no other candidates in the Newport News School South District this November.

10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.

Name: Maritsa A. Alger

Age: 60

Website: Maritsaalger.com

Biography: I’ve been a resident of Newport News for the past 36 years. I moved from New York City to the Newport News area with my spouse, Tim Alger, who proudly joined the United States Navy and served on the USS Eisenhower CVN 69. I contributed to the field of education for over 36 years as a teacher for students with special needs, teacher specialist, assistant principal, principal, and interim executive director, and now as an elected school board member seeking re-election.

I earned my Educational Leadership degree through Old Dominion University, a Masters degree from Hampton University, and Bachelors at New York University. I retired from Norfolk Public Schools in 2019 and was called back to serve as an interim Executive Director to oversee 16 schools during the pandemic.

I am engaged in the education landscape from the local to the state level. As a school board member, I was appointed twice, elected once, and I am currently seeking reelection for the South District of Newport News. I recently served on the K-12 English Curriculum Review Board and have served on the School Readiness Committee for three years to expand early childhood programs. In the past five years, I have volunteered as a grant reviewer for the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation to help support early education. Education is my passion!

Locally, I have partnered with the Foodbank, Serve the City, Port, PTA, Sister Cities, and local businesses, volunteered to tutor students, and I am an active member of my faith community.

I am married to Tim Alger, a proud graduate of Christopher Newport University. We have two children together, Kristine and Timothy, who successfully graduated from Warwick High School, and two beautiful grandchildren. Kristine works as a public defender and Timothy is a high school math teacher. As a family, we are committed to service.

Why are you running for this office?

I’m running because I care deeply about the future of our children, families, educators, and communities. As a first-generation college student, I deeply understand the personal impact of a high-quality education and I believe in the power of leading by example. I am not afraid to ask tough questions, engage in discourse, or respectfully listen to another person’s point of view, even when I disagree. My priorities are to continue providing our teachers and staff with the resources they need for success including increasing compensation, acquiring 100% accreditation of schools, expanding the prekindergarten program for our younger learners, renovating our aging schools, following through with the completion of Huntington Middle School, and increase engagement of families and community partners.

What is the top challenge facing Newport News Public Schools, and how would you address it?

Given the recent release of Standards of Learning results, the division improved in some areas and there is still a need for growth in other areas. Literacy achievement continues to be a top concern for Newport News Public Schools and even across the Commonwealth. The school board has recently approved a Virginia Literacy Plan that will positively impact student achievement and the growth of our community. Studies have consistently demonstrated a strong correlation between higher literacy rates and increased opportunities for higher education and workforce development. I’m committed to keeping my focus on promoting high-quality instruction for all students, intervention, improving the well-being of the school community, and increasing learning engagement.

What do you believe still needs to be changed following the Grand Jury’s Report on Richneck Elementary School?

The Newport News Public Schools division has worked on improving security, and safety for the students, staff, and families by incorporating the following and more:

• Improved crisis management plans that include training and reviews.
• Revised student code of conduct based on work from community and school-based committees.
• Two full-time SROs at schools during the day.
• Use of single-point entry with ID scanned by security software.
• Safety drills are conducted and monitored for state compliance.
• Consistent code system across all schools.
  One of the most important strategies to keep schools safe includes engaging the community in ways that can offset outside threats that spill into the schools. Anticipating and managing behaviors before they escalate, helps the student to succeed and self-regulate. Another powerful strategy for students is being a part of after-school programs or safe community spaces that prevent them from engaging in poor choices.

Do you believe parents of other students should be informed of disciplinary action in the classroom?

The disciplinary action for infractions is clearly stated in the student handbook. If the handbook is followed based on the infraction, then a parent should expect the disciplinary action to be applied consistently without breaching confidentiality.

How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?

I value the voices of different constituents given that in public education we serve everyone. No one has the complete answer for solving the many challenges schools face. It is important to listen, learn, and know that our goal is to support the success, safety, and well-being of every child.

What is your view on the Governor’s Executive Order to ban cell phone use?

As a former educator, I have seen firsthand the impact of social media and cyberbullying with only the use of a phone. Banning cell phone use in the classroom will only level up the learning experiences that our students need for greater achievement.