Blake parents Nancy Navarro and Phil Kauffman will square off in the November 7 election as they compete for the same position on the Board of Education.

Ms. Navarro, the incumbent, was appointed to the position a year and nine months ago. “That’s not enough time to go in depth,” she says. She hopes to continue her work creating more oversight in the system, maintaining middle school reforms and strengthening parental involvement. She stresses communication on all fronts, especially for parents who speak little English.

Her opponent, Mr. Kauffman, most recently served as the Area Vice President for the Sherwood and Northeast Consortiums. “I’ve learned about the board. I know the process,” he says. “I could make a difference.” He agrees with Ms. Navarro on most issues, but plans to focus more on modernizing school facilities and developing a support system to prepare students for the High School Assessments.

The candidates differ the most in their leadership styles and personal backgrounds. Originally from Venezuela, Ms. Navarro has been a member of the Montgomery County community for 14 years, serving on various committees. “It’s important to have a Latino person on the board because [it] reflects the student body,” she says.

Mr. Kauffman has lived in the area since 1987 and been involved in the PTA for 12 years. He adds, “I [feel] that I have got better roots in the community than she [does].” Mr. Kauffman, who is endorsed by the Washington Post, was asked to run in the election by influential neighborhood figures and organizations; these requests ultimately convinced him to declare candidacy.

Ms. Navarro is endorsed by many MCPS employee unions, including the teachers’, principals’, and retired teachers’ unions. She says, “It’s an honor for me… [These people] understand the realities of the school system.”

The September 12 primary election narrowed the ballot down to these two candidates. Mrs. Navarro received 57% of the vote, while 26% of the population voted for Mr. Kauffman. A third candidate was left out of the race. Both Ms. Navarro and Mr. Kauffman hope that they will fare well in the November election.

Says Mr. Kauffman, “I’m the kind of guy that will look out for all factions and all kinds of kids.”

“I see myself as a community advocate,” adds Ms. Navarro. “You have to… connect with all of your constituents.”