QUINCY — JoAnn Garces’ goal as district 3 board member for the Quincy School District is to give a voice to Hispanic parents and students.

“I want to try to get more Spanish-speaking parents involved in the classroom and in program decisions, speaking up for what they believe will benefit their child,” Garces said. “I want them to know that just because they don’t speak English very well, they can still help.”

Quincy school board members approved Garces Monday night. The position was left vacant this summer when former board member Alan Balciar resigned following a move to Ephrata.

“I certainly sense she will fit in well the school board members,” said superintendent Burton Dickerson. “JoAnn has a strong and sincere interest in the community, schools and working with children.”

Garces’ first day is the Nov. 10 board meeting. She is finishing Balciar’s unfinished term and must file for re-election in November 2011 to continue as a board member.

Garces’ two children attend Quincy schools. One is in junior high and the other in high school.

“I have always been involved in my kids’ education by guiding them in their homework and volunteering in the classrooms,” Garces said. “This is a great way for me to be more involved.”

Dickerson said he is impressed with Garces’ goals.

“She expressed interest in our schools, being involved and helping our schools grow,” he said.

Garces has lived in Quincy all her life. She has handled insurance billing at Quincy Valley Medical Center for 17 years.

“I don’t see myself moving anytime soon,” she said. “I like that Quincy is a small-knit community that stands by each other and supports one another. I know people here and have many relatives here.”

Garces said she felt overwhelmed when she discovered she’d been hired.

“I was glad, but very shocked,” she said. “I thought the other candidate was great and we’d both do a good job.”

Garces feels it is important for children to become educated.

“When I graduated from high school I was the only Hispanic female in my class,” she said. “I want to open kids’ eyes and show them they can accomplish anything they want.”