Tigard-Tualatin School District Director Position 5
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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Crystal Weston
(N)
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
Tigard
Your Experience/Qualifications
My professional background includes a Psychology degree from the University of California, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Oregon. I have served in multiple community-oriented career roles addressing issues in health, the environment, mental health, substance abuse prevention, affordable housing, child welfare and the educational system. Much of my work has focused on the intersections between systems, such as working conditions, education and health.
County
Washington
Term
4
My professional background includes a Psychology degree from the University of California, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Oregon. I have served in multiple community-oriented career roles addressing issues in health, the environment, mental health, substance abuse prevention, affordable housing, child welfare and the educational system. Much of my work has focused on the intersections between systems, such as working conditions, education and health.
That is an interesting question this week. In theory the law has not changed significantly in recent times, and our district policies meet state and federal legal obligations. Our district has legal obligations to follow federal and state laws, such as to educate all students appropriately, to not discriminate and to meet state curriculum requirements. In some cases, purported executive authority can make existing law uncertain or suggest a different interpretation. I will serve the children of our community as well as possible, with the most opportunity possible, within the changing constraints of this challenging landscape. I will focus on impacts over performative gestures but also consider the impact of my words on our communities.
The budget is the most pressing issue. We are facing budget cuts due to declining enrollment, as well as a potential loss of Title I and school lunch funding from the federal government. This would particularly impact marginalized communities and reduce support for those who rely on it. I do not believe this can be averted and I am uncertain if the state has the resources to make us anywhere near whole if this comes to pass. My priority will be to preserve classroom facing positions as much as possible and provide the best education possible with whatever we have remaining.
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