Maritsa Alger

Re-elect for Newport News School Board - South District

Hi! I’m Maritsa Alger. I’m running for re-election in the 2024 Newport News School Board race to represent the South District. I contributed to the education field for 37 years as a parent, teacher, assistant principal, elementary school principal, executive director, twice-appointed school board member, elected school board member, and volunteer. I received an Educational Leadership degree from Old Dominion University, Master’s Degree from Hampton University, and Bachelor’s Degree from New York University. I started my work as a teacher for students with disabilities at Norfolk Public Schools. As a school leader, I increased pass rates on reading state assessments for the community by at least 40% points. With the strong commitment of teacher leaders, support from the central office, community volunteers, families, and committed students, dramatic gains were made. It took collective leadership to make bold changes.

As a resident of Newport News for the past 37 years, I raised my family along with my loving husband, Tim Alger, a proud Navy Veteran. Tim is a graduate of Christopher Newport University and an Assistant Director of Finance for Tecnico. Our two amazing children, Kristine (Public Defender) and Timothy (Secondary Math Teacher) attended Newport News Public Schools and graduated from Warwick High School.

My Mission

My mission as a citizen of Newport News, and as a lifelong educator is to support schools and the community’s growth. My promise is to build and grow academic success, ensure safety, and enhance the well-being of our students, school and classroom leaders, and families. By addressing unfinished learning, creating safer spaces, and building stronger leaders across our communities will ensure a stronger future for Newport News. We must retain and recruit quality educators and leaders in order to prepare today’s Newport News students for tomorrow’s workforce and careers. I am committed to using my experience to connect community partners, build climate, and actively empower our school communities for greater and more efficient resources and opportunities that speak to growth and excellence. Education is my promise!

Campaign Priorities

What do we need to build success, safety, and the well-being of our school community?

Focus on funding on to strengthen literacy across the curriculum.
Provide teachers with the resources they need to succeed and feel safe.
Expand preschool program for three-year-olds to support families.
Strengthen teacher internships to fill the teacher workforce.
Increase the number of accredited schools yearly until we reach 100%.
Grow engagement with families and community partners.
Follow through with Huntington Middle School until full completion.
Renovate Warwick High School and modernize all schools to fit 21st-century community vision.

Testimonials…

"As a product of Newport News Schools, an educator for 27 years, and a resident of the city for over 50 years, I am passionate about the thoughtful and effective education of our children and the communities in which they live and grow. Maritsa Alger shares my passion and will work hard on the school board dedicated to providing the best education possible to the students of Newport News Public Schools."
**— Dr. Dorie Banks, Resident and Educator**
"Mrs. Alger has a proven record of commitment to education , advancement of teacher readiness, and integration of students and their families toward collaborative working relationships to improve academic results in an environment of high standards and inclusiveness."
**— Olga Torres, President of Hispanic Leadership Forum of Hampton Roads**

The work for Newport News happens each time we meet with key leaders to discuss what we can do together to support our schools. The heavy lifting belongs to all of us. That is why listening to our educators, support staff, families, community partners, and yes, our students is important to me. It is critical to understand how we can improve education. I have lived my life dedicated and committed to the improvement of schools and the lives of children. It is the reason, I became a teacher, and why I want to serve as a Newport News School Board Member!

**Speaking to our Hispanic families in the community about our dreams of success for our children, and how education starts with us as parents!**

meet my niece edynn!

**In our family, we believe that education is the best legacy that we can pass on to our family and our community.**

**I collected big smiles during the Community Back to School event at Cal Ripken Memorial Field.**

I care deeply about the future of children, teachers, staff, and school communities. We can be so much stronger together, and it starts with us.

Building success, safety, and well-being for our schools!