David Douglas School District
Director, Position 1
Occupation: Executive Director, The Voices Project; Acting President, The Voices School for Liberation and Transformation
Occupational Background: Director, Champions Academy - Portland Leadership Foundation; Interim Director, Intercultural Life. George Fox University; Acts Six Academy Coach, Warner Pacific University; Education & Leadership Development Coach
Educational Background: Georgia State University, MS, Education; Temple University, BA, Communications; Dvuli, Urban Youth Leadership Certificate
Prior Governmental Experience: David Douglas School Board Member, Elected 2019
“Becoming Better Together”
Re-Elect Donna Barber to the David Douglas School Board!
“As school board members, we work to co-create the policies that govern the education of our community’s children and share the responsibility of ensuring that they reflect and serve ALL the children well. We are helping to shape the world we dream of and the future we hope to see.
“Over the last few years my work centered on creating the equity policy and plans necessary to ensure that all students have what is needed to achieve their educational potential. I’ve worked to support our administration in the hiring and retention of a workforce more reflective of the beautiful diversity of our district and to include the voices of our parents and students at the center of our decision making.
“And when the pandemic hit, we worked hard, despite the ever changing protocols, to provide a supportive educational experience for our kids, families and teachers. Thank you for helping us get through this challenging time. We’re not going back to the way things were. We are moving forward and becoming better together.” - Donna
We Ask You to Re-Elect Donna!
Senator Kayse Jama
Aaron Barrow, David Douglas School Board
Stephanie Stephens, David Douglas School Board
Francesca Aultman, David Douglas Teacher
Andreina Velasco, Dual Language Preschool Teacher, David Douglas School District
Jared Cetz, David Douglas High School Alumnus
Alex Chiu, Gilbert Heights Parent & Local Artist
JR Lilly, Native American Community Leader
Sharif Liwaru, Education Community Leader
Stand for Children
Learn more: donnambarber.com
(This information furnished by Donna Barber)
Director, Position 1
Occupation: HVAC Service Specialist, Portland Mechanical Contractors, Presbyter of Education, Smirna Church
Occupational Background: Founder & Executive Director of Budjak Education, Slavic Private School
Educational Background: Engineer, Masters Degree
Prior Governmental Experience: Precinct Committee Person
In 1996 together with my wife Luda and seven children, we immigrated to Portland, OR from Ukraine in search of religious freedom, and a better life. Twenty-five years later I can testify that this country is certainly the land of opportunity and growth. I’m very grateful for this country and American people for receiving us as refugees and showing so much love and kindness.
Having received so much here in our new home, I feel called to give back to my local community. I’m looking forward to serving on the board of David Douglas School District. I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to the current issues facing our education system, as we as bring diversity to the board.
Thank you for your vote.
(This information furnished by Viktor Georgiyev)
Director, Position 2
Occupation: Nonprofit professional; Grant writer
Occupational Background: Co-Founder, Unite Oregon; Program Manager, City of Portland; Center for Academic Excellence, Portland State University
Educational Background: The Evergreen State College, English, Bachelor of Arts; Portland State University, Public Administration Courses
Prior Governmental Experience: David Douglas School Board, Position 2 (2017-Present)
Along with a tremendous team of dedicated Board members, educators, administrators, community partners, families, students, and staff, I have worked over the past four years to make our district more equitable, inclusive, and responsive. Serving during a time of great change, a national racial justice reckoning, and a global pandemic has tested the district’s leadership and resolve - but we have adapted and persisted, always focusing on the needs of our students and families.
In David Douglas, we have made strides to:
- Raise graduation rates and address persistent disparities
- Hire and retain educators and staff of color
- Provide new resources for Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- Engage our diverse families in district decision-making, and
- Provide needed support to students and families during the pandemic.
The COVID-19 crisis will undoubtedly challenge the gains we have made, and we need innovative, strategic, relentless leaders at the district’s helm to keep us moving forward. I’m ready to work with the David Douglas community in the next four years to meet the challenges ahead. Together, we will safely re-open school buildings, continue to center on equity, and provide a quality education for all kids.
Proudly Endorsed by:
Andrea Valderrama, David Douglas School Board Chair
Sahar Muranovic, David Douglas School Board Vice Chair
Jessica Vega Pederson, Multnomah County Commissioner
Susheela Jayapal, Multnomah County Commissioner
Carmen Rubio, Portland City Commissioner
East County Rising PAC
To view more supporters or learn about my position on the issues, visit www.stephforschools.com.
Awards
Multnomah County Citizen Involvement Award (2009); Spirit of Portland Award (2007)
(This information furnished by Committee to Elect Stephanie D Stephens)
Director, Position 3
Occupation: Community Organizer
Occupational Background: Activist
Educational Background: David Douglas High School, Diploma
Prior Governmental Experience: Precinct Committee Person Multnomah County Democrats Executive Committee
Deian is a Latino Activist. As someone with a disability, he saw how people are left behind systemically. Low-Income, and families of color have been greatly affected by the unequal education policies in our district, and they are not alone. School funding has long been inequitably distributed across our education system. It is time to fix that.
We can ensure there is racial justice, as well as equitable education opportunities for all students, including immigrant/ refugee communities, Homeless, LGBTQIA+, Students of Color, and those with disabilities. If we meet the needs of all of our students, including those struggling, we can increase graduation rates. Deian brings a unique perspective to the board, and has a history of leadership experience to help make this change happen.
Equitable Education
- End Standardized Testing
- Teach less Eurocentric History and Literature Classes
- Allow more flexibility in teaching styles to meet the needs and passions of students
- Decrease Class Sizes
- More Language Support
- Restructure Homework
Reform
- 9-5 school days
- Expand school mental health programs
- Expand funding for critical programs and classes
- Universal free school breakfast and lunch
- More staff accountability for mistreatment of students
- Fight tooth and nail to ensure budgets are allocated equally for our communities of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ students.
Safer Schools
- Stronger anti-discrimination programs
- Stronger anti-harassment and bullying programs
- Keep radical Far-Right activists like Timber Unity off our School Boards
- Update and expand safety measures to prevent school shootings and other violence
- Invest in our educators, social workers, and mental health programs equitably
Supported By:
Working Families Party
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555
Travis Nelson, Vice-Chair of Oregon Nurses Association of Health Policy, DNC Member Ashton Simpson, Director of Oregon Walks and former HD 47 State Rep. Candidate Michael Smith, former Multnomah County Democrats Vice Chair
(This information furnished by Deian Salazar)
Director, Position 3
Occupation: David Douglas School District - On Site Supervisor; Mannahouse Academy - High School and Middle School Teacher
Occupational Background: David Douglas Schools - Special needs aide
Educational Background: Clark College, AS Early Childhood Education
Prior Governmental Experience: None
As a migrant and a former ESL student, I recognize the challenges our students face entering a country where they are unable to communicate. When a child’s culture and language are misunderstood, it negatively impacts their ability to learn and grow.
I am running for school board because our students are consistently showing lower and lower proficiency in reading. How can we expect our increasingly diverse community to thrive in a public education system where less than 50% of our children are meeting benchmark standards? Unless we can improve our public schools, we will not be able to deliver on the promise of prosperity and adventure that immigrants like me come to this country for.
My experience as a mother and teacher have prepared me to work with students of all backgrounds and help them achieve their potential. As your representative on the school board,
I will have the opportunity to pass along the lessons I have learned to others, and to motivate our students to persevere in the face of adversity - just as I did when I first came to this country.
There has never been a greater chance for us to change our education system than today. This pandemic has been difficult for all of us, but it has exacerbated the challenges of first- generation Americans. As we transition back to the classroom, we must pay special attention to students’ mental health and well-being - students cannot grow without a feeling of security and support. As part of the school board, I will work with my colleagues to ensure that students are given the appropriate resources, and that parent’s concerns are addressed respectfully.
(This information furnished by Jane Guajardo-Hays)
Director, Position 3
Occupation: School Attendance Coach; Portland Public Schools
Occupational Background: Public Education; Nonprofits; SUN Community Schools; Youth & Family Advocate
Educational Background: Portland State University, BA, Sociology
Prior Governmental Experience: n/a
Community Experience: Asian American Youth Leadership Conference, co-chair; API (Asian Pacific Islander) Forward, leadership development; Chinese American Citizen Alliance
“We need diverse leaders like Hoa who have experience working with students, families, teachers, and faculty on the school board.” -Eddy Morales, Gresham City Council
“Hoa’s direct experience with students and families will be a great asset to the school board.” -Sahar Muranovic, David Douglas School Board Vice Chair
As a second generation Vietnamese-American with over 10 years of experience working with the public education system, I know what it takes for kids from low-income and diverse backgrounds to be able to show up in school ready to learn.
As a school board member, I will work on:
- Supporting low-income and families of color during the pandemic
- Ensuring all kids experience a smooth transition back to full time school
- Fighting for comprehensive health education, access to mental health care
- Utilizing restorative justice to break the ‘schools to prison pipeline’
- Recruiting, retaining and advancing staff of color
Community Leaders Stand with Hoa:
“There has never been a more important time for Asian American voices to be heard. Hoa will be a great representative for our David Douglas community.” -Jeff Reardon, State Representative
“I am looking forward to working with Hoa to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our community during the pandemic and after. Her leadership will serve our kids well.” -Andrea Valderrama, David Douglas School Board Chair
Stephanie Stephens, Christine Larsen - David Douglas School Board Members
Annette Mattson, Mt. Hood Community College Board
Jessica Vega Pederson, Multnomah County Commissioner
Kayse Jama, State Senator
Khanh Pham, State Representative
Jessica Arzate, Multnomah Education Service District Board
Muhammad Rahman, David Douglas School Teacher
East County Rising
NARAL Pro Choice Oregon PAC
Stand for Children
To learn more visit www.hoa4pdx.com
(This information furnished by Hoa Nguyen)
Director, Position 6
Occupation: Policy Director, ACLU of Oregon
Occupational Background: Advocacy Director, CCC; Policy Advisor, Portland City Hall
Educational Background: Masters of Public Administration, Portland State University; Bachelor of Arts, University of Oregon
Prior Governmental Experience: David Douglas School Board of Directors, Vice Chair; David Douglas School Board of Directors, Position 6; Student Success Act Advisory Committee; Latino/a/x and Indigenous Student Success Plan Advisory Committee; HD 4710 Precinct Committee Person.
My priority issues are centered in my values of racial and gender justice with the background context of the COVID 19 pandemic as a new reality to navigate, in addition to the historical injustices created through white supremacy that have plagued Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BiPOC) communities for decades.
1. Health & Wellness
I lead with my values in reproductive justice, safety, self- determination, and access to healthcare for all in my decision making about health and bodily autonomy. As we continue to plan for transformed education, I will work to ensure:
- COVID 19 vaccines, PPE, and mental health and social emotional services are accessible to all
- Stable housing and safe conditions for students and families trying to learn from home
- Comprehensive healthcare services and sexual education curriculum
2. Economic Justice & Housing
This pandemic has deepened existing economic inequities especially for mothers, BIWOC, immigrants and refugees, and renters. I will continue to address:
- Rent and housing costs and lost income
- Childcare
- Ensuring economic stability for staff
3. Public & Community Safety
Transforming public and community safety within our schools is more important than ever, especially as hate crimes are on the rise.
I’m proud to have earned the endorsement of:
- East County Rising PAC
- Christel Allen, Executive Director, NARAL Pro Choice Oregon PAC
- Stand for Children
- Duncan Hwang, APANO
- Ricky Ruiz
- Jeff Reardon
- Eddy Morales
- Vince Jones-Dixon, Gresham City Council, Position 3
- Jessica Arzate, MESD Vice Chair
- Katrina Doughty, MESD Board, Position 7
- Yesenia Delgado, Position 5, Reynolds School Board
- Mayra Gómez
(This information furnished by Friends of Andrea Valderrama)