Election choices matter.
As Oregon school board members wait to see where the state and nation are headed next, it is time to start thinking where they want to guide OSBA.
OSBA member boards can begin voting Nov. 7 on regional OSBA Board representatives and resolutions that will help set OSBA’s path. Boards have until Dec. 15 to vote as a group and submit the ballot to OSBA.
The ballot this year includes three resolutions.
One resolution would increase members’ dues for the first time since 1998. OSBA has been operating at a deficit in recent years by dipping into its endowment fund. The resolution would help stabilize OSBA’s finances by raising dues 15% a year for most districts over five years.
“Board members tell us they appreciate OSBA’s many valuable services, from board training to policy guidance to legal help to legislative advocacy,” said Emielle Nischik, OSBA executive director. “This resolution would put OSBA on better financial footing to continue providing the expert staff support members have come to rely on.”
A second resolution would create the Oregon School Board Members PRIDE Caucus to support people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+. An advisory committee spent a year exploring the need for a caucus to advocate for a quality education for all students, but especially for some of Oregon’s most vulnerable and underserved children. It heard support from all over the state.
The PRIDE caucus would operate similarly to the Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus and the Oregon Rural School Board Members Caucus. Some members have questioned the recent spurt of caucus creation. OSBA Board President-elect Chris Cronin said OSBA leadership would be looking at its governance structure next year but the PRIDE caucus should be voted on based on its merits.
The third resolution would update OSBA’s bylaws for readability purposes, to create officer eligibility criteria, and to supply additional accountability for the OSBA caucuses.
The OSBA Board, which sets OSBA’s goals and provides a face for advocacy, has 13 positions up for election this year: Eastern (position 1), Central (3), Southern (5), Clackamas (7), Douglas/South Coast (9), Linn/Benton/Lincoln (10), Marion (11), Yamhill/Polk (13), Washington (15 and 20), and Multnomah (17 and 19). An additional Eastern seat will be open because Chris Cronin, if elected to position 1, will be serving as OSBA Board president. All the openings are for two-year terms, except positions 10 and 20, which are one-year terms.
The Legislative Policy Committee seats for Linn/Benton/Lincoln, position 10, and Marion, position 12, are also vacant and open for a one-year term. LPC members help set OSBA’s agenda in the Legislature as well as acting as important communication bridges between Salem and their communities.
New Board and LPC members will take their seats Jan. 1.
The OSBA Election Center contains more information. Members can also contact OSBA executive assistant La’Nell Trissel at [email protected].
– Jake Arnold, OSBA
[email protected]
