PAM KNOWLES

OCCUPATION: COO, Portland Business Alliance

OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: High School Teacher; Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine; Development Director, Portland Center Stage

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: J.D., Lewis and Clark Law School 1983; B.S., History, OSU 1977

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Oregon Childcare Commission, City/County Education Task Force, Regional Arts and Culture Council, County Task-Force on Vital Aging

A PROVEN RESULTS-ORIENTED LEADER

As a teacher, lawyer, arts education advocate and PTA president, I have achieved results by identifying problems, building coalitions and setting goals. As a board member, I will work on strategies that create the successful schools our children deserve.

“Our City is passionate about good public schools. Pam has demonstrated her ability to work on education challenges with our community's many stakeholders. We need her leadership on the Portland School Board.”

-- Former Mayor Vera Katz

PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS' 42 PERCENT DROP OUT RATE IS UNACCEPTABLE

  • Install district-wide programs proven to increase student achievement.
  • Provide mentoring, summer academies and enrichment programs for academically at-risk kids.
  • Engage students by providing arts education which promotes creativity, innovation, team-work and problem-solving and expand offerings in vocational training–essential for today's workforce.
  • Improve teacher quality through professional development, mentoring and effective evaluation.
  • Develop partnerships with local businesses, philanthropists and parents to strengthen programs.

“A parent of three boys, a teacher, lawyer, business leader, and arts education advocate, Pam has experience that proves she will be a compelling advocate for our children.”

-- Former Governor Barbara Roberts

STABLE FUNDING AND FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY

  • Challenge the legislature to prioritize and stabilize funding for schools.
  • Monitor the financial bottom line to ensure tax dollars support the classroom.
  • Track performance audits to ensure the effectiveness of district programs.

Also endorsed by Justice Betty Roberts (ret.), Commissioners Dan Saltzman and Randy Leonard, Commissioner Deborah Kafoury, Representative Mary Nolan and Senator Ginny Burdick, Former Senators Jane Cease and Ron Cease

For more information, visit: www.pamknowles.com

(This information furnished by Pam Knowles for Schools)

The above information has not been verified for accuracy by Multnomah County.