Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Matt Navo of Clovis to the  11-member California Board of Education.
Newsom’s office announced Navo’s appointment, as well as that of early education specialist Kim Pattillo-Brownson of Los Angeles, on March 29.
Navo, 48, is director of systems transformation at the Center for Prevention and Early Intervention for San Francisco-based WestED. He joined the nonprofit education collaborative in 2018 after five years as superintendent of the award-winning Sanger Unified School District.

Extensive Background Includes Special Education

Navo has a deep background in education. He has also been a teacher, alternative education director, and special education director.
“Navo offers on-the-ground knowledge at a time the board is stressing locally based improvement and district partnerships as the alternative to state-driven reform under the Local Control Funding Formula,” analyzed veteran EdSource reporter John Fensterwald.
Navo told Fensterwald: “I believe I was selected because I bring a unique and varied perspective on K-12.”

Borgeas Praises Newsom for Navo Selection

“In December 2018, Gov. Gavin Newsom visited the Central Valley and met with leaders in the heart of Downtown Fresno,” said state Sen. Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) in a news release. “We spoke collectively with one voice about the importance of increasing Valley representation at the statewide level.
“Gov. Newsom demonstrated that he was listening. … Matt Navo is a testament of the wide-ranging talent that exists in our region.”
Navo, a Republican, and Pattillo-Brownson, a Democrat, must be confirmed by the Senate. Board members receive a $100 per diem.

One More Opening on State Ed Board

Newsom previously appointed Stanford University emeritus professor Linda Darling-Hammond to the board, leaving him one more spot to fill.
Navo has a master’s degree in special education from Fresno State, where he served as an adjunct faculty member from 2010 to 2013.
You can read more from EdSource about Navo and Pattillo-Brownson at this link.