Richard Garcia

Richard Garcia is a 6th generation Coloradan with roots from the great San Luis Valley. He came to Boulder in 1970 seeking a higher education and never left.  Richard received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in Political Science and was recognized as one of the University of Colorado’s Pace Setters in 1973 for his volunteer work in the community. His involvement in local schools changed his mind from studying law to education. He ran for the BVSD board of education in 1973 unsuccessfully, but it didn’t deter his desire to continue his efforts for equitable educational opportunities for children of color.

Richard was instrumental in bringing bilingual education to the school district. In 1976, he was hired by BVSD as the Director for Bilingual Education and established bilingual programs at four BVSD elementary schools.  He has continued his involvement in education through his work with the Multi Ethnic Community Committee (MEACC). The MEACC was formed to advise the district on education issues concerning children and families of color. In 1980 Richard founded the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (CSPC) to assist parents throughout Colorado with how they can be more effective advocates for their children. CSPC also provides training and technical assistance to schools about how they can reach and engage parents more effectively. A CSPC study identified that early childhood education and engaging parents with their children at an early age is the best way to prevent the educational achievement gap. The findings lead to the establishment of the innovative Providers Advancing School Outcomes (PASO) program that takes informal child care providers through a rigorous training regimen and transforms them into professional level early care and education providers.  PASO began in 2006 and has become a viable and recognized ECE program in Boulder County. Richard joined the board of The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County in 2009.