VOTE411 Voter Guide

I’m Lisa Harnisch, and I’ve lived in Salem for over 30 years, raising two great kids in our local public schools. Even though my children are now in their 20s, I’m here first and foremost as a mom. Over the years, I’ve volunteered in many ways to help make our schools great—in the class room, PTA, Site Committees, serving on the District Budget Committee, Co-chairing the Facilities Task Force, leading the successful school bond effort that funded critical improvements to our school buildings - and currently serving on the school board from zone 1.

A School District must comply with both state and federal education policies to ensure equitable, quality education for all students. This includes adhering to federal mandates like Title I, which ensures funding for disadvantaged students, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees services for students with disabilities. At the state level, districts must follow state-specific requirements, including academic standards, assessment protocols, and teacher qualifications. Compliance also includes ensuring non-discriminatory practices and providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of background or ability. Meeting these obligations helps maintain funding and ensures fairness in education.

Budget constraints, literacy, and attendance are top issues for our District and require a multifaceted approach for long-term improvement. Despite tough decisions made last spring, we must continue maximizing efficiency and prioritizing spending to support students, focusing on teaching staff, educational materials, and key programs like special education and early literacy. Improving literacy, especially in early grades, is essential for academic success. Ongoing teacher training and family involvement are crucial. For attendance, fostering a positive school environment where students feel safe and engaged will improve consistency. By addressing these areas, we can build a stronger future for all students in the District.

I’m a father of three children enrolled in Salem-Keizer Public Schools and a passionate advocate for high expectations in education. I’m a business leader and longtime youth mentor, I coach Mock Trial at West Salem High and work closely with students, teachers, and administrators.

The district must follow laws that govern academic standards, student services, and school operations. But legal compliance should never be the finish line. I’ll work to ensure these policies are implemented in ways that actually raise achievement, keep schools safe, and serve students and families—not just satisfy paperwork.

We must urgently address the basics: only 1 in 4 third graders can read at grade level, and classrooms are increasingly unsafe. I’ll push for early reading intervention, higher academic expectations, and clear discipline policies so every teacher can teach and every student can learn. I support school resource officers and stronger safety partnerships to protect our campuses. We also need to prepare students for real life with hands-on, practical education—whether they’re headed to college, trade work, or other careers.