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Nestucca Valley School District Director Position 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

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    Irene Barajas
    (N)

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    Sherry Hartford
    (N)

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    Troy N Trute
    (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?

Town Where You Live Tillamook, OR
Your Experience/Qualifications I'm a 2003 grad of NVSD, have 6 of my own kids attending. I’m a local business owner & childcare provider for 10+ yrs. I'm the acting Chair on NVSD's board, and a member since 11/2023. I want to continue to fight for better communication & transparency, and for a welcoming, inclusive environment, where we provide a quality education experience to ALL, regardless of race, economic status, gender, or sexuality, where staff and students alike feel heard, protected and supported as whole people.
County Tillamook, OR
Term 4 year
Term Expires 6/2029
Most notably, I've been a board member for NVSD since 11/2023, and have been acting as Chair for the past several months. Prior to being a board member, I was on both the Budget and Health Committees. I attended NVSD myself from K-12, graduating in 2003, and have lived most of my adult life in the district as well. Now I am parent to 6 kids attending the K8, and frequently volunteer as a chaperone and with the high school's pep band and orchestra for the musicals each year. In addition to being a board member, parent, and volunteer, I'm a small business owner as a state licensed childcare provider for 10+ years, and many of my "bonus" kids also attend(ed) NVSD. To say I have a vested interest in NVSD is putting it mildly!
As mentioned, I've currently serving as a board member for NVSD, and I'm a licensed business owner, so I am very aware of our obligations to comply with federal and state laws and policies, and the consequences of not doing so.
As a board member already, I've been working hard to improve the communication and transparency between the school and the community, and making people feel heard with their concerns. I want to continue working to improve those relationships and restore faith in our district and admin. I also strongly believe in making our schools welcoming environments for ALL students and staff, ensuring they feel safe, cared for, and represented in the materials. Staff and students need to know they are cared for as whole humans, supporting their mental and physical health in addition to the more obvious aspects of a positive educational environment. We have a diverse community, and it is important they are treated and represented equitably.
Town Where You Live Hebo
Your Experience/Qualifications I am currently on Hebo Joint Water and Sanitary Authority board. I ran in the last election for Nestucca School Board as well as applied to be appointed to the board when a vacancy came open. I have lived in South Tillamook County nearly my whole life. I have coached and mentored youth within Nestuccas District for many years.
Term 4 years
Term Expires 2029
I have experience on how a board should run. I have worked within the community for years and have established a relationship between the community and school district. I understand policy and procedures as well as financial budgets.
I understand there are laws the board must comply with regarding policy and funding. I intend to follow the laws and any new laws that may come forward.
Currently, there are a number of issues facing the District. My goal is to be open and transparent. To set standards for the District and make education a top priority. Our state testing levels are nearly at the bottom for Oregon and Nationally. This is unacceptable. For our students to succeed in life, education must be a priority. This could include new curriculum, support for our teachers and standards for our students.
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