We moved to Oregon 29 years ago.
Given my degree in education paired with a career in Human Resources, my wife’s teaching career in Oregon and our involvement in our three kids’ very fruitful schooling here over a sixteen-year span, we feel closely tethered to the Oregon School District.
One gentleman we’ve long admired from afar is Charles Uphoff. He’s not a buddy, not a neighbor. He’s a guy you’re used to seeing when things need to get done. He’s that rare individual every successful community leans on whose constant hands-on involvement with youth, schools, the arts – you name it – stands out.
As Oregon has grown, Charlie’s mode of operation of showing up as a workhorse while exuding leadership and intellect has not dimmed. Having served nine years on the board previously, he’s got his hand raised, asking area residents to let him again turn his passion loose on the challenges facing the Oregon School Board.
We attended a forum last week attended by all six candidates. Though all six struck us as qualified and committed, Charlie Uphoff stood out, for three reasons.
First, the sheer breadth of his volunteerism and depth of professional commitment to kids and families is overwhelming. Second, he’s tuned in. We buy his take that the Board could operate more transparently, improve its relationship with our teachers and focus more on encouraging the engagement of very young students’ parents. Third, he’ll sink his teeth into addressing those needs with passion and conviction.
It is also evident to us that the heavy lifting required would be eased considerably by electing the like-minded Gwen Maitzen and Barb Feeney along with Mr. Uphoff on April 1.
Mark and JoAnn Kiley
Village of Oregon