About Alvaro

Alvaro Ceron-Ruiz is a lifelong Prince George’s County resident who believes that strong public schools depend on unity, trust, and shared responsibility. Born and raised in the County to parents who immigrated from Guatemala, Alvaro grew up in a household where education was deeply valued but where navigating school systems was often difficult. He remembers watching his mother struggle not only with language barriers but with the complexity of school processes that can overwhelm families who are simply trying to support their children. Those moments left a lasting impression and taught him that access to education is not just about being enrolled in school, but about whether families are truly supported and understood. That experience mirrors the reality of many families across District 2, where schools are often the first place children find stability, support, and a sense of belonging.

Alvaro attended Prince George’s County Public Schools from Pre-K to graduation from Eleanor Roosevelt High School. He learned early that schools are more than classrooms and test scores. They are where students build confidence, discover their potential, and learn to advocate for themselves. Watching family members and classmates navigate challenges related to language access, mental health, and uneven resources made clear to him that student success depends not only on instruction, but on whether systems listen to and support families. That understanding is why public education matters deeply to him.

Alvaro is currently pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees in Public Policy and Criminology & Criminal Justice in the honors college at the University of Maryland, College Park, where his academic work focuses on education policy, equity, and student outcomes. His public policy training equips him to critically analyze how education policies are designed, funded, implemented, and evaluated. He studies how data, budgets, and governance decisions translate into real outcomes for students and educators and how policy can be improved to close gaps and expand opportunity.

As an Education Policy Researcher with the Maryland Initiative for Literacy and Equity, Alvaro conducted policy analysis and co-authored a statewide literacy white paper focused on evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes. His research experience gives him a data-driven understanding of what works in classrooms and what does not, while keeping student and family experiences at the center of the work.

He has never allowed his background or his age to deter his advocacy. He was elected and served as the PGCPS Student Member of the Board of Education from 2021 to 2023, becoming the first Latino student member to cast votes on behalf of students. In that role, he collaborated on policy development and system-wide initiatives. He helped pass landmark policies promoting inclusive school environments, expanded mental health supports, and a stronger student voice. Seeing his work ethic and passion, his colleagues elected him Chair of the Policy and Governance Committee for the Board of Education.

As Chair of the Policy and Governance Committee, Alvaro took on one of the board’s most demanding roles. He led the development, review, and revision of systemwide policies, working closely with legal counsel, educators, administrators, and community stakeholders to ensure policies were clear, enforceable, and aligned with student needs. He managed the policy calendar, guided proposals through public input and board deliberation, and focused on accountability, making sure policies did not simply pass but were implemented effectively. His leadership required balancing legal requirements, community concerns, and educational best practices, work that mirrors the real responsibilities of the Board of Education and reflects his readiness to serve.

His service extends beyond the boardroom. Through various community-centered roles in legal and public service institutions such as the Prince George’s County State’s Attorneys Office and Congressional District 4 District Office, Alvaro has worked with families navigating complex systems, reinforcing his belief that education, family stability, and opportunity are deeply connected. These experiences continue to inform how he approaches accountability and decision-making in public education.

Alvaro Ceron-Ruiz is running for the Prince George’s County Board of Education, District 2, because he knows UNITY is not automatic but is built through thoughtful leadership, inclusive decision-making, and accountability. Grounded in lived experience, research, and hands-on governance, he is committed to leadership that listens, communicates clearly, and ensures every family, regardless of language, background, or circumstance, can navigate OUR school system with dignity and confidence.