Lupita Garcia leaves “big boots to fill”
Dr. Lupita Garcia submitted her resignation from the Tucson Unified School District to district officials yesterday. The formidable advocate for all children and the Tucson community cited personal reasons for the move.
“I am disappointed that she is leaving, but I understand that she is the kind of person who does what needs to be done, and always does the right thing. I value the time she spent with TUSD. I think the time we had with her was invaluable. I think we are losing a great advocate for the students, community, and staff. There is so much more we need to do. We need her type of fearless commitment, and endless compassion. Whoever fills her position has some big boots to fill,” said TUSD Governing Board member Michael Hicks.
Dr. Garcia’s staff was devastated when they heard the news. Lupita Garcia is viewed by many as the most accessible high level administrator in the district, which continues to have a reputation for back door deals and cronyism.
Dr. Mark Stegemn said of Garcia’s departure, “It is unfortunate when the district is unable to retain persons of her integrity and commitment.”
The no nonsense Lupita Garcia, is tough but won the devotion of many teachers. Most of the district’s certified staff does not belong to the teachers’ association.
Dr. Lupita Garcia was hired in 2009 as an Assistant Superintendent. She oversaw the government and community outreach programs. Under her leadership, the illegal Promotoras program was shut down. The program, which operated for a number of years, siphoned money away from literacy programs for underserved students to a program which taught undocumented women how to become community organizers.
When Garcia, a small woman, stood up to Pima County Supervisor Richard Elias, a supporter of the program, and told him that she was going to shut it down, he verbally attacked her and vowed to find a way through the County to continue it. The district was fined $3.5 million for the illicit funneling of funds.
As a result of Garcia’s efforts, she won wide-spread community respect and trust.
Her role grew due to her unlimited energy and experience. Garcia became the administrator tasked with overseeing the Mexican American Studies program. An immigrant from Mexico, Garcia, stood toe to toe with radical teachers who fought to resegregate the district’s classrooms and instill a political identify in students rather than an appreciation for their history and heritage.
Before coming to TUSD, Garcia served as the director of educational support services in Austin, Texas. She also served as an assistant superintendent for school support in Houston, Texas, and was the director for parent student services in Irving, Texas.
Cavazos-Garcia received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and Spanish literature, a master’s in educational psychology/guidance and counseling, and a doctorate in education administration/urban public administration.
Related article:
Acuña’s marginalization through accusation will not stop Dr. Lupita Garcia