VOTE411 Voter Guide

I’ve had a 35 year career in public sector management and finance. Most recently, I was the Deputy Executive Director for Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission, oversees Oregon’s public universities, community colleges, and workforce development. While there, I led the team that created the Oregon Promise, providing thousands of recent high school graduates the opportunity to attend community college, including many trade programs, tuition free. I helped some great organizations do amazing things for Oregonians even when money was tight, and I have a reputation for making things happen and finding the money to do so. I love bold ideas, and I’m always willing to work to find common ground.

In general, federal and state education policies set a minimum standard of performance. School districts should comply with these policies unless they are determined to be unconstitutional or otherwise illegal. Local school districts should always try to exceed minimal federal and state education policies and, as much as possible, protect students from the impacts of state or federal policy decisions made for political reasons. Students only have one shot at their education, so the local school district's obligation is to ensure that education is complete and well-rounded as possible.

I would first address issues of health and safety - a student who is hungry cannot learn well, and a student who doesn't feel safe cannot learn well. I would work to ensure free and subsidized meals remain available at school, and put in place comprehensive plans to address school bullying and other behavior issues.

Beyond that, I consider a strong focus on early literacy and numeracy to be critical in setting a student on the path for later learning, so early remedial intervention for struggling students will be a high priority.

Third, students must receive a high-quality education that best prepares them for the life they desire beyond high school, whether that is a 4-year college, trade school, the military, or direct to work.

As a mother of a child in the Springfield Public School District, a former SPS substitute educational aide, and a volunteer supporting trauma victims, I've seen firsthand many challenges our children and educators face. I've reached out to many stakeholders (families, staff/educators, students, board members) to meet and discuss our district challenges. This outreach has increased my understanding of our issues. My personality and disposition bring active listening, empathy, and collaboration. I will put in maximum effort to be a team player, ask questions, pursue answers, and diligently seek solutions.

I know that in order to receive funding, all Oregon school districts have legal obligations to both the State and Federal Departments of Education, such as: Civil Rights Laws, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Oregon's Nondiscrimination Law, Special EducationCurriculum and Instruction, to name a few. I will uphold these obligations and follow the law. If I disagree with mandates, from either Salem or Washington DC, I will use my voice to urge Board colleagues to consider them. I will reach out to my elected officials to lobby for positive change. I see my role as a 2-way communicator between Salem and our public schools.

I believe in a comprehensive, well-rounded education. The current elementary curriculum is narrow and inadequate. Elementary students are not being taught enough science, social studies, and art to be well rounded critical thinkers and problem solvers. I will raise this issue early in my tenure on the Board.

I pledge my support for improving student attendance. Attendance is essential for learning. Kids can't learn if they're not in school, or disengaged from the material. I will ask district administrators to launch an internal investigation for these reasons.

I fully support our educators. Too many teachers have told me they do not feel respected as the professionals they are. I will seek staff input to improve job satisfaction.

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