Laura Glesby Photo
Daniel Juárez at a January Aldermanic Affairs Committee meeting.
The Board of Education has a new member in New Haven Public Schools parent, opera singer, and Yale fundraiser Daniel Juárez, who was unanimously approved for the position on Tuesday evening by the Board of Alders.
Mayor Justin Elicker had nominated Juárez for a four-year term on the Board of Ed in December after deciding not to reappoint former Board Chair Yesenia Rivera.
Elicker is now no longer the sole current New Haven Public Schools parent serving on the board, as Juárez has one child at Engineering and Science University Magnet School and another at Sound School.
Westville Alder Adam Marchand said after the meeting that he voted in favor of the appointment having gotten to know Juárez through their kids’ soccer teams.
“He really cares about the quality of education,” Marchand said. “I know he has a lot at stake: he’s a parent, just as I am. He’s clearly going to be a voice of the community and of parents.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Juárez said later in a phone interview. “I feel a little humbled about it. It’s an important responsibility entrusted to the Board of Ed, so I take it very seriously.”
Read more here and here about Juárez’ background and aspirations.