Lowell School District Director Position 4 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
Contact Phone
5415548920
Campaign Phone (public)
5415548920
Town Where You Live
Lowell
Your Experience/Qualifications
board member past 8 years, lived in Lowell 45 yrs, president Oregon Forest Homeowners Assoc
County
OR
Term
third
Term Expires
2029
What skills and experience do you bring to school board service?
I taught in the Lowell SD for 35 years, retired and was elected to the Lowell School District board of directors. I have knowledge of the history of the city as well as the school district. Because of this, I have answered many questions about the school district that others couldn't answer. I was local OEA president for six years and have experience with negotiations.
I have the ability to differentiate between effective and ineffective teaching.
What is your understanding of the District’s obligations to comply with federal and state education policies?
If the policy is a law, adopted by state or federal legislature, then we have to follow it. If it is a policy or suggested policy that comes from the Oregon Department of Education there are usually ways we can adapt it to fit our own district while honoring the intent of the rule.
How would you address the issues facing the District’s schools that you consider the most urgent?
The two biggest problem I see in the future for Lowell is space and funding.
Our classrooms are full, our attendance is increasing and we are land locked. We don't have adequate outdoor space for all our spring sports. If Lowell keeps growing, and it will, the school will either need to purchase some of the adjoining land (not a popular option) or build a new school somewhere else.
At some point, teacher salaries will have to be increased. $40 to $50 thousand per year after 5 yrs of college isn't enough to attract quality teachers.