DONN M. GARDNER
OCCUPATION: Owner: Borho Bros. Drywall
OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: 40 years Construction Trades
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Graduate David Douglas High School; 1 year Portland State College; night school Portland State College & Mt. Hood Comm. College;
PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Board of Directors David Douglas School District 1993-Present
Donn is currently serving his third term. Recently we asked him,
WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN CONTINUING? “Two reasons really. First my ties to the district are strong. Our family moved to the Gilbert area in 1955, my wife Jackie and I both attended David Douglas schools as did our children, and we have four granddaughters currently attending district schools. So being involved seems natural. Second, a successful board member is someone who can work with others. Success as a board is a team accomplishment. I have been successful being a part of that team”.
YOU ALWAYS AGREE WITH THE MAJORITY THEN. “No. Although we all agree our primary goal is providing quality education for children in a fiscally responsible way, sometimes we just disagree on the best path to take. I have been in the minority plenty of times”.
WHAT ARE SOME CURRENT ISSUES FACING THE BOARD?
“Well, enrollment growth and uncertain state funding are constant issues. But even with these challenges we have raised high school graduation requirements and kept strong programs in music and athletics. With community support we have also upgraded and added new facilities keeping David Douglas a leader in K-12 education. At one point we also had to make the tough decisions to cut some programs”.
JUST ONE MORE QUESTION. IF YOU COULD MAKE ANY DECISION ON YOUR OWN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? “That’s easy, a stricter dress code for students and staff”.
Donn Gardner…experience, leadership, dedication. Support Donn Gardner for Director Position #2.
(This information furnished by Committee to Re-elect Donn M. Gardner)