Lake Oswego School District Director Position 2 Choose 1
There are 197 public school districts in Oregon, each governed by a board of education. School boards set goals, establish policies, oversee the performance of district schools, and negotiate contracts. The state Board of Education sets broader educational policies and standards that local schools are required to follow.Qualifications: Candidate must be a registered voter and a resident of the district for at least 1 year. Employees of the district are not eligible unless employed as a substitute driver. ORS 332.016 and 332.018(2)Term: 4 years
Biographical Information
What skills and experience do you bring to school board service?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What is your understanding of the District’s obligations to comply with federal and state education policies?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How would you address the issues facing the District’s schools that you consider the most urgent?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Web Site (leave blank if not applicable)
http://votegupta.com
Town Where You Live
Lake Oswego
Your Experience/Qualifications
I have been on the Lake Oswego School Board since June 2020. I have dual Masters in Public Health and in Social Welfare from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
County
Clackamas
What skills and experience do you bring to school board service?
I've been on LO school board for 5 years. I am a parent of a current LO student and sibling to a LO graduate. Professionally, I am the Director of Clinical Supports and Workforce at Oregon Health Authority. I have volunteered in the classroom, led levies and bonds, been on LO Schools Foundation board, and been involved with Respond to Racism and LO for LOve. I believe in building bridges to achieve systems change. I have a 20+ year career as a public health professional devoted to advancing healthcare initiatives. Large systems change is what I do, and I have worked with multiple partners to accomplish shared goals. It’s clear how important these particular skill sets and experiences are needed for school boards to be effective.
What is your understanding of the District’s obligations to comply with federal and state education policies?
Lake Oswego School District has implemented and continues to implement education programs in compliance with state and federal law.
How would you address the issues facing the District’s schools that you consider the most urgent?
I am committed to listening, learning, centering student voices, creating flexible and sustainable school environments, supporting our educators, achieving equitable outcomes, and continuing in our tradition of academic excellence for all students. To prepare LO students for the jobs of the future, my priorities are to:
-Provide leadership to help the district navigate the current budget shortfall and develop its new strategic plan
-Pass the third phase of our bond to continue investment in resilient schools for safety, health, and security
-Focus on mental health supports and services
-Advocate to fully fund special education
-Create an even stronger culture of belonging