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A new candidate has filed papers to challenge Collier School Board member Roy Terry, who has served on the board since 2010.
Darlene Alvarez, 41, is a sales consultant at payroll company Paychex, an adjunct marketing professor at Keiser University in Fort Myers and a mother of four, all of whom attend or have attended a Collier public school.
Mary Ellen Cash, who ran against Terry in 2010, also is seeking the School Board seat.
Alvarez, who is from Virginia Beach, has lived in Naples for 18 years. Her husband, Rick, owns a land-clearing company.
She said her primary motivation to run is to create a stronger connection between Collier graduates and local businesses.
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Alvarez is the co-chairwoman of the National Academy Foundation district advisory board; NAF academies are groups that operate at Collier high schools to prepare students for college and careers. One day a month, Alvarez helps students write résumés, prepare for interviews and find internships with local companies.
She said she thinks students aren’t being prepared for the workforce.
“So many companies say they can’t find anybody to work for them,” she said. “I feel there’s somewhat of a disconnect between community and school.”
Alvarez received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Old Dominion University in Virginia and her master’s degree in management and human resources from the University of Maryland. She is working toward a doctorate degree in business management and marketing from the online Capella University.
When asked about her stance on charter schools, Alvarez said she is not against them but thinks resources would be better directed toward trade schools.
Alvarez said she thinks Terry has “done an excellent job up until now, but I think it’s time for a change,” and she noted her familiarity with current economic trends.
When reached for comment, Terry, 75, said he did not know Alvarez but welcomed her to the race. He said in July that he will run for re-election.
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