Hot Off The Press!
Monrovia Now Candidate Statement released on September 22, 2026
Maritza Travanti, Monrovia Unified School Board, Trustee Area 5
For nearly eight years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Monrovia Unified School District Board, twice serving as Board President. I have brought proven leadership, sound judgment, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to putting students at the center of every decision.
Public education has faced extraordinary challenges during these years. I helped lead our district through the pandemic, declining enrollment, leadership transitions, fiscal stabilization, difficult organizational decisions, and implementation of Measure MM.
Effective governance requires experience, institutional knowledge, thoughtful decision-making, and the willingness to make difficult decisions.
Leadership also means bringing new ideas forward and turning them into action. Working collaboratively with district leadership, I helped establish counseling support at every elementary school, our beloved Grad Walk tradition, and the State of the Schools Address to increase transparency and community engagement.
While declining enrollment remains a challenge, we must also give families compelling reasons to choose Monrovia Unified by promoting our outstanding schools, innovative programs, academic achievements, arts and music, college and career pathways, and student success stories while supporting teachers and staff.
Fiscal responsibility is critical. We must plan for the future and ensure public resources provide students with an excellent education.
I bring 35 years of federal government leadership, culminating as IRS Chief of Operations, where I led large organizations, managed complex operations and budgets, implemented policy, and navigated organizational change. My experience directly aligns with my role as a school board member.
My commitment extends beyond the Board room through years of school volunteerism and community service, including leadership with the Monrovia Rotary Club.
As a parent of a recent MHS graduate, daughter of immigrants, and Spanish speaker, I have built relationships with families throughout our district and advocated for additional Special Education funding. I listen and work to ensure all voices are heard, including through periodic Coffee Ed Chats with parents, staff, and community members.
I remain committed to stable leadership, accountable governance, strong schools, and ensuring every student can thrive.
I respectfully ask for your vote to provide continued experienced and stable leadership for Monrovia Unified. For more information about Maritza www.maritzaformusd.com/
“A proud moment with founding and new members of the Latino Heritage Society as I stepped into the role of President, continuing our shared commitment to celebrating Latino heritage, culture, and community.” Cover and feature story of the Monrovia Living Magazine.
“Proud to have helped create the Latino Heritage Society Art Show in partnership with Monrovia Unified, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through student art, culture, and community. The event was also featured on ABC7 News.”
Today, Monrovia Unified serves a richly diverse student population. That diversity is one of our strengths, and it also reminds us that our students and families do not all begin from the same place or need the same things to succeed. As a Board member, I have worked to ensure that equity means more than words. It means identifying barriers, listening to families and educators, and providing resources and opportunities that allow every child to thrive.
My own journey from an English Learner to a first-generation Latina leader is a constant reminder of what public education can make possible. I want every Monrovia Unified student to believe those possibilities exist for them, too.
Recognitions & Certificates
Distinguished Women of the Year 2022, AD41 Assemblymember, Holden
Masters in Governance Certification, California School Board Association
Completed the following courses to achieve MIG Certification:
Rotary Paul Harris Fellow
