JAMES WOODS
OCCUPATION: Economics Professor, Portland State University; Small Business Owner, Behavioral Economics
OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Professor, Consultant, Small Business Owner
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: University of California, Davis, Ph.D., Economics; University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, B.Sc., Economics
PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Parkrose Board of Education, Chairman, 2007 - Current; Vice Chairman, 2005-2007; Multnomah County, Human Services Citizen Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC), Member, 2007 - Current; Parkrose School District Budget Committee, 2005 - Current; Multnomah County, School and Community Partnerships CBAC, Chairman 2006-2007; Parkrose Middle School Site Council, 2004 - 2005
I have served on the Parkrose Board of Eduction for the last four years with the simple goal of maximizing the educational benefit that can be squeezed from every tax dollar. The district and the board have a reputation of being stingy. I like it that way -- it means we are squeezing what we can out of those dollars. Over the last four years I, and my board, have:
• Maintained sustainable budgets, putting funds away in good years to sustain us through the bad. Unlike other districts, Parkrose never planned to cut days, even when the Governor cut our budget mid-year.
• Started two million dollars worth of energy efficiency improvements that will direct more money to classrooms and less to the utilities.
• Invested in future academic performance through all-day kindergarten. Unlike other districts, we don't charge tuition.
• Protected after school programs at Shaver Elementary and Parkrose Middle School through City, County and State budget cuts. Kids in after school and extra curricular activities do better in school.
• Hired a new superintendent and helped our former superintendent start the new Academy for Architecture, Construction & Engineering for students that require a more hands-on approach to education. We do what it takes to keep kids in school.
Over the next four years we will continue with the educational improvement investments that we started. Let me guide Parkrose through those years.
James Woods
PHS Parent, Classes of 2009 and 2011
(This information furnished by James Woods)
The above information has not been verified for accuracy by Multnomah County.