The Compton Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees today announced the passing of a beloved member of the Board, Margie N. Garrett. Ms. Garrett died this morning.
Ms. Garrett was elected to the Compton Unified School District Governing Board of Trustees in 2009 and re-elected in 2013. During Garrett’s first term she served as President, and Vice-President. Garrett continued her strong advocacy for public education and early child education as the Board’s Legislative Representative, leading CUSD’s legislative advocacy in Washington D.C. and in Sacramento.
In a statement to the school community, CUSD President Micah Ali shared, “Ms. Garrett’s career in the District earned her a deep understanding of our community and the important role that education could play in helping to elevate our children. Ms. Garrett’s devotion to children continued to the very last moment. Knowing that she did not have much time left, Ms. Garrett insisted on fulfilling her role on the Board, even participating in Board meetings remotely, further confirming that her commitment to the community was truly her life’s work.”
Garrett was a native East Texan, who moved to Southern California in 1960 and has resided in Compton for over 50 years. She began her undergraduate educational pursuit at Jarvis Christian College in Texas and continued it at Compton Community College. Garrett received her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University at Dominguez Hills and continued her graduate and fifth year studies/Masters Degree Program at National University and the University of California at Los Angeles.
Garrett’s passionate mission to improve the quality of education in Compton Unified School District began over 40 years ago when she served as a Noon Duty Aide, Head Start Teacher, and State Preschool Teacher at . She was also a Child Development Resource Teacher and Parent Involvement Trainer. Garrett continued to show her love and dedication for the students of the district as a kindergarten and primary grade teacher at Carver Elementary School. Garrett topped off her 43-year career as a Reading First Literacy Coach/Resource Teacher. In June 2009 she retired.
For more than 40 years, Garrett had been involved as a teacher’s union activist and leader, serving the teachers as President and Vice President of the Board of Directors, Bargaining Committee Chairperson and as Political Action Chairperson. Garrett’s involvement at the State Teachers Association level included State Council Representative, Legislative Contact, Liaison Committee and CTA /ABC Political Funding Committee. Garrett was honored by her California Teachers Association collogues with the Southeastern Service Center and State Who Award (We Honor Our Own).
“Ms. Garrett was truly a stalwart champion who brought a wealth of knowledge, historical perspective, and love to this work. I will miss her greatly,” said Dr. Darin Brawley, Superintendent.
