Biographical Information
Town Where You Live
Hillsboro, OR
Your Experience/Qualifications
Katie Rhyne is serving her sixth year on the Hillsboro Public Library Board, which prepared her to represent community interests and enact policy. She is also parent to a current student in the Hillsboro School District, and an active HSD volunteer.
County
Washington
Term
4 years
Term Expires
2029
What skills and experience do you bring to school board service?
I am an active Hillsboro resident and community volunteer, including serving my sixth year on the Hillsboro Public Library Board, which prepared me for further public service by giving me the opportunity to review and enact policy, and to represent community interests. I am a small business owner and parent to a current student in the school district, and I believe it is important to represent a wide range of perspectives on the school board, including parental perspective. I am a good listener, a strong supporter of public education, and a believer in holding public servants accountable.
What is your understanding of the District’s obligations to comply with federal and state education policies?
The majority of education policies are set at the state level, and our District has historically always been compliant with the policies in curriculum, student welfare, school regulations, union bargaining, etc. We are also fortunate that our state District Attorney is maintaining our position of state's rights in response to the unconstitutional Executive Orders that have been signed since the beginning of the current administration. Our district will comply with any state-enacted mandates that are necessary to educate the students in our care.
How would you address the issues facing the District’s schools that you consider the most urgent?
The most urgent issues have to do with funding and budgetary shortages. I will address these issues by advocating for funding from the state, especially in the area of special education, and by working with District leadership to ensure that the Strategic Plan goals and allocations are prioritized in a way that is efficient and effective.
Another issue facing public education is the need to be inclusive of all students: every students' citizenship status, race, ethnicity, ability, gender orientation, and sexual identity. I will ensure that the policies and resolutions enacted by the School Board are ones that honor the diversity, safety, and identity of all students.