DPLC Endorsement – May 2021 Election Voters’ Guide

The DPLC will hold its endorsement meeting on March 18, 2021, at 6 p.m. on Zoom. The following candidates have requested our endorsement for the May 2021 School Board and Special District election. The DPLC may choose to endorse one Democrat, multiple Democrats, or no candidates in a race.

Holli Johnson Lane Community College Board, Zone 1

I have a vested interest in the success of our community college, and I plan to use my voice and lived experience to represent the wider community of neighbors with whom I live and work. For the past 15 years, I have seen how Lane Community College has changed lives. As a non-traditional student who attended community college, I know the importance of communal support and after 10 years as a student, I received my AA degree. I continued my education and went on to earn a BA degree from the University of Oregon and a master degree from Oregon State University. Lane Community College is such a valuable resources in Eugene and I plan to promote the college in its endeavors to keep education affordable and accessible. I also plan to provide valuable input to the Board in regards to viewing equity in the workforce and through clear and transparent lens. Another goal of mine is to increase awareness about continuing education programs and their importance. I also value a fair workplace and sustainable wages for workers.

To succeed in my new role as an LCC Board Member, I can draw upon more than 20 years' experience working in higher education helping students navigate financial aid and scholarships. In my current position at the Lane ESD, I support programs that encourage our youth to get involved in career/technical programs at the community college and/or to prepare for college readiness. The Lane African American Student Success Program was designed to help Black students achieve academic success and I am the poster child for that endeavor! Our program spans across 16 districts in Lane County and my lived experiences transcends through my work with the youth. It is one thing for me to be the first African American to serve in this position, but more importantly, it is imperative that I be included in the conversations that involve decision making.

In my view, a Board Member is a trustee who serves the community. To be successful, I believe a Board Member must be willing to support all stakeholders: students, community members, and all district personnel, including faculty, classified staff and administration.

Lane County is a diverse community. While every student deserves an individualized education, no student should ever be treated as though they don't belong. I believe that aspiring to educational success is one goal for which all community members should receive support. The overall success of Lane Community College depends on a partnership that binds us together as one, and I ask for your support because it is past time we realize the potential of all people in our community. If you believe in our shared commitment to students by building a stronger Lane Community College, then I humbly ask for your vote to continue serving as Board Member from Zone 1.

Mike Eyster Lane Community College Board, Zone 3

Dear DPLC,

I write to seek your endorsement for re-election to the Lane Community College Board of Education, zone 3. LCC is an important asset to our community, our region, and our future. When any of us go to a hospital, a doctor or dentists office, or any number of ancillary medical services, chances are good that we are being served by an LCC graduate. LCC graduates are employed in many fields throughout our community. LCC provides a wide array of essential educational opportunities for students representing a wide variety of circumstances. Some are just out of high school, some have lost employment and are returning to explore career change, some are exploring career change, not because they have to, but because they have discovered a field that brings joy to their life. For any number of reasons, LCC is a valuable resource to around 20,000 students each year. For many, LCC provides a pathway to a brighter and more successful future.

Our local economy relies on LCC to provide a well educated workforce.

In recent years, the LCC board has worked with our community to pass a $121 Million dollar bond measure, to ensure the future of the College. President Hamilton has worked with the board to find efficiencies at the College. Examples include using the downtown Mary Spilde Center more efficiently, partnerships with other institutions of higher education, and more effective use of the LCC Center at Cottage Grove. These changes have not only resulted in benefit to LCC, but have provided mutual benefit to other organizations. LCC and our board have had a strong focus on Diversity Equity and Inclusion taking care to weigh our decisions using an equity lens. We have also learned together about how to more effectively be a more inclusive organization. The LCC board passed a Community Benefit Agreement to help ensure that the money spent by LCC on construction, provides maximum benefit to our local workers and our local economy.

My entire professional career was dedicated to education and it has been my honor to serve the community on the LCC Board of Education since 2017. I ask for your endorsement so I can continue to serve.

Mike Eyster

Austin Folnagy Lane Community College Board, Zone 4

My name is Austin Folnagy. I moved to Oregon for 10 years ago and have worked for the State of Oregon almost 10 years. I became a union member (SEIU 503) and an active member leader right from the beginning of my work with the state. I have been a strong, engaged, and active member leader ever since: ranging from Bargaining to General Councill Delegate; president of sub-local to chief steward; Treasurer of our political action committee to a founding member of our Climate Justice Caucus. This diverse union experience along with training from the Oregon Labor Candidate school (class of 2013) gave me the opportunity to run and be successful as a Board Member of Klamath Community College (13-17). I than ran to be on the board of the Southern Oregon Education Service District and served before moving up to Lane County for a new job with my agency. I moved to the McKenzie River area and had to evacuate my home from the fires this last Sept, due to the Holiday Farm fire. The damages to my home prevent me from returning in the near future, but we are rebuilding and so is the community. It was the compassion and generosity of this community inspired me to want to give back to the community with the skillsets I have in policy development and workforce development strategy. We need to continue to develop a skilled and educated workforce, and we need skilled trades people to help rebuild my community. Lane Community College is the vessel to make that happen, and support working families in the process. I desire to become a champion of working families, and act in my roles as an elected leader with the same compassion and fortitude that my community has shown in the last year.

Al King Lane Community College Board, Zone 5

I was a Democrat State Representative in Dist. 44 in 1999 and Dist. 11 in 2001. I served on the Springfield School Board for 13 years and served on the original Higher Education Coordinating Council which replaced the State Board of Higher Education. I am a former DPLC Treasurer.

I am thankful for Democratic success replacing Trump, regaining the House and Senate, and that Democrats control Oregon politics, and I believe Gov Brown is providing excellent leadership for Oregon.

After Ballot Measure 5 in 1990 Oregon had to divert most revenue to Basic Education. As a result, our colleges have been funded by higher tuition. LCC and UO rely on international students to pay higher out of state tuition as an important part of their budgets. Trump's immigration and China policies have been choking out this major source of tuition income. For example, a 1,000 student UO China student drop is a $36,000,000 budget loss and 250 LCC student loss is about $3,000,000 budget loss.

We need to preserve Oregon schools for Oregonian opportunity, but we are also dependent upon foreign student tuition revenue. I believe I can help LCC and Oregon to reattract this lost revenue and help avoid major budget cuts.

Thank you DPLC for performing this endorsement process.

Steve Mital Lane Community College Board, Zone 5

I am running for the Zone 5 seat on the Lane Community College Board. I ask the Democratic Party of Lane County for its endorsement of my candidacy.

Lane Community College is a much-loved and respected institution that welcomes people from all walks of life. Students of all ages and backgrounds trust LCC’s faculty to help them develop the skills and confidence to compete for good jobs in our community and beyond. Students, faculty, and community members expect LCC’s administrators to invest in high quality programs that respond to student and regional needs at an affordable price. Board members play an important role in LCC’s success by providing the final review and decision on numerous program, staffing, budget, and tuition recommendations.

As an LCC Board member, I will focus on diversity, affordability, and ensuring a quality workplace. I promise to prepare for meetings, listen, ask tough but thoughtful questions, act collegially, respect staff expertise, value objective information, and make informed decisions.

My Background: I came to Eugene in 1998 to pursue two graduate degrees at the University of Oregon. I am thankful for my education and very aware of the opportunities it created for me. I want to be the kind of person who shows appreciation by ensuring others have similar experiences. In 2001, I founded the UO Environmental Leadership Program (ELP). The ELP provides students opportunities to work with local non-profits, businesses, and government agencies on mapping, monitoring, and environmental education projects. I am very proud of the fact that hundreds of students have used their ELP experience to get their first jobs in the environmental field.

I am also the founding Director of Sustainability at the University of Oregon. I work to reduce the university's environmental footprint and create opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to engage with social and environmental sustainability issues. Since 2007, I have helped launch many initiatives including: • SCORE, a program that trains students to conduct energy audits and offer them free of charge to low-income homes • Faculty Fellows, a program that trains faculty to integrate local social and environmental challenges into their courses • Environmental Leaders, an academic residential community for freshmen • The Oregon Model for Sustainable Development, a plan requiring all new buildings to meet high environmental standards.

Finally, I recently completed eight years of public service as a commissioner for the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB). I really enjoyed working with my fellow commissioners and management to make EWEB better. While there, I championed investments in low-income programs and earthquake preparations while pushing for and implementing significant administrative cost reductions.

Sydney Kissinger Lane Education Service District Board, Position 1

Sydney Kissinger is a retired professor from Lane Community College. At Lane she taught in the ESL, Academic Learning Services, and Communication Departments for 23 years. She has a masters degree from the University of Oregon in Rhetoric and Communication with an emphasis in Intercultural Communication and Conflict. Ms. Kissinger served on the Human Rights Commission in Springfield where she was an advocate for LGBTQ rights in the 1990’s. She is a strong advocate for social justice. Ms. Kissinger is active in the Democratic Party as a neighborhood liaison in precinct 13 and an elected PCP. Ms. Kissinger knows that Education is necessary for a better quality of life.

Rose I. Wilde Lane Education Service District Board, Position 6 At-Large

I have served on the board of Lane Education Service District since 2013. Lane ESD is a regional school district that supports the work of the 16 Lane County School Districts by providing shared services for all districts and customized services to individual districts - such as internet and technology support, special education services, school improvement, Migrant Education, Career and Technical Education, and African American/Black Student Success. We receive a portion of the funding that goes to each local district through the state school fund, as well as state and federal funding that we administer and implement on behalf of local school districts through a board adopted local service plan. The Superintendents' Council drafts the local service plan collaboratively, then each member school district board votes on the plan, which is updated annually.

As a board member at Lane ESD, I am accountable to the voters, the students, the staff, and the families of Lane ESD, as well as to the students, staff, and boards at each component district. I stay accountable to the districts I serve by visiting local board meetings (including Pleasant Hill, Lowell, and Blachly) and listening to their feedback in person and virtual meetings, and through our Superintendent evaluation processes.

One of my proudest accomplishments is hiring Superintendent Tony Scurto, whose excellent annual evaluations reflect the voices of our K-12 partners, ESD staff, and board members. We sought a Superintendent whose facilitative and convening style leadership necessary to work effectively with our component districts and the state. Superintendent Scurto’s strong commitment to educational equity shows in his continued investment in diversifying our staff with the support of the board. This requires building a safe and welcoming environment, providing for staff education and professional development, and the development of culturally specific programming within the district.

I have also shared some of my own learning with school board members and educators through conferences and presentations on the topic of Confronting White Nationalism in Schools.

I currently serve as the Chair of the Oregon Association of ESDs, working with the Executive Director and the OAESD Governance Council to convene and facilitate the OAESD Equity and Racial Justice Task Force. The Task Force has brought up topics that are challenging the organization and members to grow. We have wrestled with how to maintain a focus on racial equity, while recognizing that other dynamics of diversity also impact student experiences across the state. These conversations must be had, and it is a privilege to serve in a time when my colleagues across the state are ready to dig in. I also advocate at a state and federal level on behalf of OAESD.

Lane ESD, as a regional school district that serves students through our partnership with local schools, does not attract much attention, but the work we do is profound and impacts every student in the community. It is my pleasure to be a nerd for Lane ESD and I would like to continue serving another four years.

Laural O'Rourke Eugene 4J School Board, Position 2

I write today to ask for your endorsement as a candidate for the Eugene 4J school board, position 2. I am a life-long member of the Democratic party and have consistently supported Democratic party candidates in local, State and National elections since I was old enough to vote. As a progressive, black woman the issues that are most important to me are firmly part of the Democratic platform.

This is my first time to run for public office. I was surprised when Kitty Piercy suggested I run and even more surprised when others came forward to encourage me to do so. Most of this initial support came from people who know my work as a tireless advocate for those who have a difficult time advocating for themselves. Much of my professional life has been spent serving those facing extreme trauma compounded by generational poverty, mental illness, disability and/or addiction. Most recently I have been fortunate to be part of Lane County’s emergency response working to help people devastated the by the Holiday Farm Fire get the support and services they need. I have a deep passion for service on behalf of those whose voices are not often heard.

I believe we desperately need diversity on the 4J school board. I understand in a deep personal way what it means to be treated differently based on what one looks like. We can’t afford to have biases in our school systems that drive away good teachers of color and marginalize black and brown students and fails to equip them with the skills they need for success or does little to instill hope for what they can eventually become. I have been that student.

I also have 5 children that have graduated from or are currently enrolled in 4j schools. Three of them have learning challenges and IEPs and I have had to tirelessly advocate to have their accommodations met. Parents of children that struggle in the classroom should not have to fight so hard to ensure their children get equitable outcomes in their education. I will push to ensure there is equity in how we treat our District staff and students.

Here are a few specific things I plan to advocate for if elected: Nearly one third of high school graduates do not attend college. I want all district graduates prepared, just not college-bound kids, for a future where they can make a livable wage. Our educational system is exacerbating poverty and homelessness by not preparing all our youth for economic independence. Progress has been made in establishing Career and Technical Education (CET) in the district but it has not been fully funded or implemented comprehensively. I will work to see that we build a robust, equitable CTE program throughout 4j.

Respectful communication, characterized by active listening and regular, transparent communication is key to a board that values equity and access. Our parents and teachers know what students need. Policies of the board need to reflect this input. Parents should be informed of their rights and need to be communicated with in ways that are clear, accessible and using language they understand.

A diverse teacher workforce with strong representation from black and indigenous communities would be a powerful force for change within the system. Research shows that all students, and especially students of color, benefit from having teachers of color. And since teachers of color leave the profession at higher rates we need to ensure they feel supported and proactively identify ways to retain them.

I am ready to step up and do this work. I need the support of organizations like the DPLC to get there. For all the reasons above, I ask for your endorsement.

Tom Di Liberto Eugene 4J School Board, Position 3

Schools will soon emerge from one of the greatest educational crises in a generation. We have realized we can do things we previously thought impossible (like provide tablets and computers to all students to allow us to continue providing instruction). We have also learned that schools do many things for our lives we previously took for granted—for example—schools provide our children with a sense of community and connectedness necessary for their growth and well-being. This moment presents us with a chance to look at our schools with new eyes. Now more than ever we need leadership with a deep understanding of what K-12 students need and what a school district should provide to help us come out of this crisis.

I believe it is time to have an experienced classroom teacher on the Board who has seen how its decisions ultimately affect students. 4J has not had someone with extensive classroom experience on the board in over 30 years. I understand how concerned parents are about their children and how District policies influence them. If elected, I will help the Board be more responsive to parent concerns and more attentive to the way District policies affect kids’ learning experience.

I am a recently retired 4J teacher of 31 years – all at Monroe Middle School—where I was hired as the first secondary language immersion teacher in the District. I taught Spanish and English language arts and social studies in Spanish to thousands of students over the years. To this day, I remain in touch with scores of students and their families.

In addition to my extensive classroom experience, I have been a strong advocate for students and staff through my work as bargaining chair for the Eugene Education Association, which represents 4J’s 900+ licensed teachers and specialists. I’ve served on a variety of joint teacher/administrator teams that have work collaboratively to resolve District issues. This experience has given me a strong grounding in the fiscal realities and complex decisions involved in crafting District budgets, priorities, and practices.

I’ve seen a dramatic shift in 4J that used a process that empowered stakeholders to help shape schools, to a more top-down, centralized approach. One of my top priorities is to restore a better balance in decision- making by improving stakeholder communication at both formal meetings as well as by expanding informal fact-finding input sessions. Board members need to better understand what is happening or not happening in our schools. I see this as a vital element in determining District policy and practice.

In addition to concentrating on more open, expanded communication in our District, I plan to focus on these pressing issues facing District 4J: • Reopening our schools in a safe, sensible way • Ensuring equity in all decision making • Reducing class and caseload size • Teacher mentoring • Rebalancing overuse of standardized testing • Student mental health • Teaching the whole child

As a life-long Democrat, I would be honored to have this body’s endorsement. Judy Newman Eugene 4J School Board, Position 3

Fellow Democrats and Friends, I serve on the School Board because I have a passion about public education. I have spent my entire career in education – paid and volunteer! I come from a family of educators. Our dinner conversations are often about education. I thought this was normal, but realized this is not true of all families.

I have always been drawn to the “underdog”. Being Jewish with immigrant grandparents and the scars of WWII, my dad taught immigrants. I volunteered at a camp for children with disabilities from the inner city of Milwaukee. I was an undergraduate ethnic studies major and participated in civil rights movements. I learned to speak up against oppression and racism, ablism and anti-Semitism. I became a special education teacher and realized that kids and families needed help at an early age if they were to have a fighting chance.

I co-founded “EC CARES” 35 years ago to provide early intervention to children with disabilities, and to support and teach families and help them learn to be advocates for their children. We have touched the lives of over 25,000 children and parents in Lane county - giving these kids a better start in life and equipping them to be successful in school and life. I still keep in touch with many of these kids and parents.

Four years ago, local educators asked me to run for school board because they thought my experience, knowledge, and skills in early learning and special education - as well as my skill in bringing people together to solve problems, and my respect for the education profession - were needed. I never saw myself running for office although I knew I wanted to step up to have an impact at a bigger level. I decided to run for the open seat and was elected! I am the first person with early learning and special education experience and knowledge ever to serve on the 4J school board. I have been an asset to the board and I am a hard worker and I earn every penny of my pay!

This past year has been VERY challenging with many ups and downs. We are faced with many decisions but no great choices. We finally have a pathway to bring kids and staff back safely to in-person school. We are preparing to address the needs of students as they present.

In summary the skills I bring to my position on the school board are: I can bring people to the table, establish partnerships- and get things done I listen to all voices and all points of view when making decisions I know early learning and how to align with K-12 I am focused on elevating equity work in education I have been involved with Career Technical education (CTE) expansion I am a proven advocate to expand funding for education

As a lifelong Democrat and a Eugene PCP, I would be honored to be endorsed by the Democratic party of Lane County!

Maya Rabasa Eugene 4J School Board, Position 6

Before everything else, I am the mother of three children, and have been a 4J parent for 14 years, with 9 more to go before my youngest graduates.

My story begins over 40 years ago when my father brought my family to the US from Mexico. I grew up in a family where we spoke Spanish and French at home, learning English in our public schools. During my years in public school, I also learned that when children develop their sense of self worth it is often a reflection of how others see them. And too many of my friends with similar backgrounds did not see a reflection that showed them they could and would succeed. They did not receive a message that they were valued. They received a message that they were an issue to be handled.

Like many young people, I began to dream of becoming a teacher - but for me it was not a romanticized vision of teaching that propelled me, but rather my vision came from a place of seeing injustice occur in the classroom, on the playground, in the curriculum, in all facets of our school system. I knew I wanted to be a part of the change that I considered - and still consider - imperative. So, for the past 30 years, I have dedicated myself to the educational arena - first as a teacher at all levels from early childhood through undergraduate classrooms, then as a dedicated volunteer.

Let us fast forward to today. I left the classroom when my oldest started kindergarten, in order to volunteer in his school to fill debilitating holes resulting from budget shortfalls. During the past 14 years, I have put in almost 6,000 hours volunteering on the ground in over a dozen different 4J schools. Additionally, I also serve on two advisory committees - 4J’s Equity Committee and Budget Committee.

This volunteer experience, specifically the time spent in our schools, coupled with my own experience as a teacher, affords me a unique window. This experience allows me to witness what district policy looks like when put into practice by teachers, school staff, and volunteers. It shows me where and how our schools continue to face challenges, as well as what innovations and shifts in practice are proving to be successful. At the forefront of this insight, is a sincere understanding that representation and prioritizing diverse perspectives and expertise are vital for a healthy district. This understanding serves as the cornerstone of my value system. I sincerely value the voice and expertise of our students, staff, families - our community. I am committed to strengthening the bridge between district leadership and all district stakeholders and will always bring genuine community involvement into the decision-making arena.

By endorsing me for Position 6 on the Eugene School District Board of Directors, you will not only help to bring my voice to the table, you will help to bring our whole community to the table. Because where I go, I bring you with me.

Maureen Miltenberger Siuslaw School Board, Position 4

My career as an educator began in 1970 when I graduated from Oregon State University and became a sixth grade teacher and tutor in Yachats. I then spent two years teaching on the island of Guam.

In the years since, I have been the director of two agencies that assisted and educated families in a variety of ways. I was also in charge of a three year self-suffiency program in Oregon City that worked with families living in government housing to break family traditions of living in poverty.

I then went on to substitute teach and tutor in several school districts including Siuslaw District in Florence. I was also the Homeless Children's Liaison and Attendance Officer in the Molalla River School District.

I have been retired for a few years and find that I am missing being involved with education. I feel that my varied background will be a great asset in assuring that every student in our district regardless of background and ability will receive a well grounded education.

Emilio Hernandez Jr., PhD Springfield School Board, Position 2

With my career in education (over25 years) this past year has been one of the most difficult. The Corona virus has put us all into a tailspin. Schools are now dealing with the confusing decision to have our children return to school buildings or continue with on line learning. As a retired educator, I know the value of in person teaching/learning. Hybrid learning is difficult for some of our families living in multi-generational homes. With my extensive experience serving on locally, state, and national educational boards, I see my background as a positive to assist Springfield School district move forward with its current plans. The next phase of schools re- opening comes with a significant need for all of us to be open and caring for ALL students, and make that a community goal. My background as a migrant worker, growing up in poverty has given me the life experience to understand what some in our community are living through. As a community, I see it essential that we all work together for all our children, so they will grow in a healthy environment and learn how to work together to avoid our current struggles.

Kelly Mason Springfield School Board, Position 5

Being a product of Springfield Public Schools, I can personally say that my experience was excellent. I was afforded countless opportunities to learn, grow, and be involved in my community growing up and I am eager for the opportunity to give back and contribute to Springfield schools now as an adult. I attended Moffitt Elementary, Hamlin Middle, and Springfield High schools which are all within three blocks of each other, and the connections and friendships I made are lifelong! While the original buildings for two of those schools no longer exist, I will always carry with me the memories of the amazing teachers, staff, and even the superintendent at the time, Nancy Golden who guided me and cheered me on every step of the way. My childhood education was not one without struggles and hardship, but the teachers and staff were dedicated to keeping me on the right path, which led me to where I am now. This is an opportunity to bring everything full circle and do my part as a lifelong Springfield resident to ensure the continued success of our students during and after the pandemic.

As a board member, I hope to bring a fresh perspective along with real world experience in education, and a positive attitude at a time when Springfield needs it most. My focus will be on students and what is in their best interest as we reopen schools and try to help them find a new sense of normalcy. It will be important that Springfield residents like me have their back and are prepared to do the hard work that is ahead of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has created barriers and struggles for students and families that will take some time to heal from. But Springfield students are strong, resilient, and brave - and those are the qualities that the Springfield Board of Education needs within their leadership team.

As the current chair of the CDAC (Community Development Advisory Board) of Springfield, I have had the chance to hear the concerns of other Springfield residents and help make important decisions about current community development initiatives. I am passionate about education, and seeing students succeed, I have dedicated my career to this work and I now serve as an academic advisor for the UO’s PathwayOregon program that offers free tuition to Oregon residents with financial need. Being bilingual, I am able to connect with Latinx students and parents to ensure that they always have the information they need to thrive! This unique experience matched with my dedication to Springfield and my time partnering with local high schools to share information and mentorship for students throughout the college application and financial aid process makes me an excellent candidate for the Springfield Board of Education. I am so excited for the opportunity to continue to serve my community in a new capacity and be a part of what makes Springfield schools great!

J. Manny Mahnesmith River Road Park & Recreation District Board, Position 5

I would like to be considered as a candidate to utilize my experiences and knowledge to best serve my community on a subject I am most passionate about.

My name is J. Manny Mahnesmith. I am a Springfield High alumni and coach, a service member, father, and River rd. Community member. I value strong leadership. I value integrity and I value selfless service.

I want to provide exceptional park and recreation facilities, programs, and services to enhance the livability of the River Road community and the people it serves.

Thank you for your consideration.