Being on a local school board carries with it the responsibility of providing a cost effective educational program to all district students. It is this goal that must drive a board member and no other.
It is critical that board members be independent advocates of our students and not be beholden to special interests.
The last two Oregon School Board elections have included challengers backed and supported by the local teachers' union (the Oregon Educational Association) and members associated with the Oregon Area Progressives. This is consistent with a trend to politicize and pack local school boards with school-union candidates. The Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) has dedicated personnel and funds focused specifically on electing school board candidates beholden to its agenda.
This year, the Oregon School Board has three seats up for election. The three incumbents, Courtney Odorico (the current Board President), Lee Christensen, and Wayne Mixdorf are running for re-election.
They are capable, independent community members who have dedicated their free time to making the Oregon School District the best possible district for our kids.
They are opposed by three candidates who are endorsed by the OEA. One of their candidates, Gwen Maitzen, a former OEA member, boldly proclaimed on her campaign website that “we must take back our schools.” It is worth noting that the challengers profess they are independent candidates in their recent Observer ad while at the same time touting their OEA endorsement.
The most important consideration in this election is our kids. The electors in the Oregon School District have a distinct decision to make in this election; whether to vote for three incumbents who have guided this district with expertise sharply focused on our students, or three challengers supported and endorsed by special interests.
That is why I am voting for, and encouraging Oregon School District residents to vote for, Courtney Odorico, Lee Christensen and Wayne Mixdorf.
Jerry Luebke
Village of Oregon