Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Eugene School District Director Position 2

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 yearsCANDIDATE FORUM: The Eugene City Club held a forum for Eugene School District candidates on April 18. You can listen to the audio of this forum here https://auth.thevoterguide.org/oauth2/passwordless/fI9CV1Pt14Mkfd0t_JPnlFHpBSoiU2qoM-QNRwSXm7w?postMethod=true&tenantId=3248b36e-a737-7418-e1ec-034f9e5112e4&client_id=6ca22b38-f361-4b50-9074-882efea6c39b&metaData.device.type=UNKNOWN&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fadmin.thevoterguide.org%2Flogin%2Fcallback&rememberDevice=true&response_type=code&scope=offline_access%20openid or here https://www.klcc.org/show/city-club-of-eugene.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Alan Madden
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    Danny McDiarmid
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    Ericka Thessen
    (N)

Biographical Information

What skills and experience do you bring to school board service?

What is your understanding of the District’s obligations to comply with federal and state education policies?

How would you address the issues facing the District’s schools that you consider the most urgent?

Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Contact Phone 5417909187
Town Where You Live Eugene
Your Experience/Qualifications My background as a Child Support Case Manager and time serving on the Awbrey Park Elementary Site Council have given me experience in advocating for families and working with diverse stakeholders to solve complex issues. I have experience managing policies and programs that directly impact families and have worked in roles requiring transparency, accountability, and communication. I’m passionate about ensuring all voices are heard and creating policies that help every student thrive.
County Lane
Term 2025
Term Expires 2029
I bring extensive experience in public service, policy implementation, and community advocacy. As a former Child Support Case Manager and a two-year member of the Awbrey Park Elementary Site Council, I understand the complexities of education policy, budgeting, and family engagement. I have experience in problem-solving, stakeholder collaboration, and ensuring equitable access to resources. My background in legal and administrative roles equips me to analyze policies, make data-driven decisions, and advocate for student success.
The District must adhere to federal and state laws regarding curriculum standards, student rights, special education, and funding regulations. This includes ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title IX protections, and state-mandated graduation requirements. Effective governance requires balancing these obligations with local priorities, advocating for necessary resources, and ensuring policies are applied equitably to support all students and educators.
Key priorities include improving student outcomes, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and strengthening community engagement. Addressing learning loss and graduation rates requires evidence-based interventions and equitable resource distribution. Budget transparency is essential to maintaining quality programs and supporting educators. Additionally, fostering open communication between families, teachers, and administrators will help ensure policies reflect the needs of our diverse student population.
Web Site (leave blank if not applicable) http://www.thessenfor4j.com
Town Where You Live Eugene, OR
Your Experience/Qualifications Current Eugene School District 4J Board of Directors Postition 2 since October 2023, Eugene 4J Budget Committee 2021-2023, served on Site Councils at McCornack Elementary, Kennedy Middle and Churchill High Schools
County Lane
Term 4 years
Term Expires June 2029
I have been serving on the Eugene School District 4J Board since an appointment in October 2023. Prior to that, I served on the Eugene School District 4J Budget Committee from 2021-2023. Prior to that I was a volunteer in my children's schools. I also served on the Site Councils of McCornack Elementary, Kennedy Middle and Churchill High schools. I have also previously served on the following boards or committees: Lane County Parks Funding Task Force, Whole Earth Nature School Board, Wiggly Tails Dog Rescue Board and The 86 Hunger Foundation Board as Board President.
The district has to comply with complex regulations from both state and educational policies. These policies are numerous and range from regulations about instructional minutes, graduation requirements, PE and recess minutes, instructional days, curriculum guidelines/mandates, safety guidelines, health and mental health care, accommodations for disabled and special education students, passing financial audits, etc. Compliance with these policies affects funding.
We have several issues facing our district: below goal graduation and 5-year completion rates especially for vulnerable and marginalized students, chronic absenteeism, student mental health struggles and difficulties, declining enrollment rates with resulting decreased state funding, insufficient supports for disabled and special education students, poor staff retention with many classified and certified staff leaving the profession. We address these by working closely with students and their families to find root causes and work together to meet needs. We work collaboratively with our employee groups for solutions to our toughest problems. And we work with community partners to find where we can work together for lasting solutions.