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You have permission to edit this article. Operating in this manner will help prevent members of the community from feeling left out.". If your child listens to music or uses the internet, or even watches Family Feud, what they are seeing is sex and more sex, the reply said. Wood said the behavior they witnessed was unbecoming of district leaders. Eugene 4J school district has not responded to those questions. We need the supports and services in our schools to proactively address this among our students. Sometimes we run stories that might be a little too convincing for readers. "There should be no tolerance for demonstrated bias from students, teachers or staff. The diversity, equity and inclusion director must be elevated to the superintendents cabinet. It is vital we formulate several versions of this tool so when decisions must be made swiftly, a version that can be run through quickly is available. "I'm good at this kind of work, but Maya has to be in charge of everything she's in," O'Rourke said. I bring established relationships with social service, health and mental health providers to meet student needs through partnerships. Display Meetings for Meeting Meeting Location April 16, 2021 at 1:00 PM - School Board Retreat 1:005:00 p.m Meeting Type: Regular . Contact reporter Jordyn Brown at jbrown@registerguard.com or 541-246-4264, and follow her on Twitter @thejordynbrown and Instagram @registerguard. At the very least, we should encourage opting out clearly and publicly by placing opt-out buttons on our main webpage. Set. The website outlines proponents' rationale for pursuing the recall. Contact reporter Jordyn Brown at jbrown@registerguard.com or 541-246-4264, and follow her on Twitter @thejordynbrown and Instagram @registerguard. And, from my perspective, and my experience, this seemed like an age appropriate, comprehensive sexuality program that served my children and me well.". Players and their families got up and walked out of the room during the argument, saying the incivility was too much. The eight candidates were part of a panel hosted by the For myriad reasons, many families cannot make the choice to return to in-person instruction under the current community health circumstances. Learn more about what this state change would mean for schools here. Find out more at BEST-Oregon.org/flyer. The bustling corner of 19th and Agate is home to some of Eugenes most beloved institutions: Agate Alleys Thursday night drink wheel, Prince Pcklers mint Continue reading, In most major U.S. cities, all it takes is a glance at a restaurants front window to see how its recent restaurant inspection went. Local journalism delivered directly via email each Thursday. He also spent three years as a classroom aide and five years as a teacher in California. Oregons decision to prioritize vaccinating school staff provided a safe pathway to open schools. Di Liberto, 62, has lived in the Eugene area for 34 years and is a retired 4J teacher. "I'm hoping for better behavior," O'Rourke said. Hes runningfor Eugene 4J school board this May. O'Rourke specifically names board chair Maya Rabasa and board member and former chair Judy Newman as perpetrators of racism toward her and alleges not enough has been done to protect her from racist comments during board meeting public comments. The "After speaking at the 4J board meetings several times over the past year about the need for schools to open, both to ensure a high quality of education for our students as well as a more equitable learning environment, I was dismayed at the limited public input and the lack of follow-up and transparency around these concerns. At Wednesday's board meeting, O'Rourke brought up her concern over the makeup of special and ad hoc committees. Moving forward, she said, she hopes to see real change after filing this complaint. The way it is now is really limiting, Sanger says. O'Rourke said Rabasa has begun speaking over her and correcting her when there is no need for correction. Those plans should be placed on hold. I would like to continue moving the needle forward on anti-bias policies and practices in the district.". EUGENE, Ore. -- A petition has been filed with the Lane County Clerk to recall Eugene School District 4J Board Member Laural ORourke. Most of the candidates are newcomers, with the exception of sole incumbent Judy Newman. We saw Juan Carlos Valle, who was running against educator Tom Di Liberto and former KEZI anchor-turned conservative social media wannabe influencer Rick Dancer Newman, 71, has lived in Eugene for 45 years. "I am dedicated to seeing our commitment shift from a regularly communicated value statement, into an ongoing and consistent action item. 1:00. I am running to offer a new perspective, visionand skillset.". Hows this for a fantasy? As we return to in-person instruction, we must pay close attention to the relational health of our district and its stakeholders. A make-up assignment from a Churchill Health 2 class where students were asked to describe a sexual fantasy. Seeing someone that's supposed to represent me and my background and not doing that in a good way was also hard for me because I don't want that representation about me around, team member Shyonna Landrum said. A viewer sent this image of the assignment. People wanting to give live public comment must be signed up by no later than 5 p.m. Monday, on the district website, and up to 10 people will be scheduled. Racial bias remains in the 4Jschool system, as I have learned about similar experiences in recent conversations with other BIPOC parents and their children. Although well-intentioned, we have been observing one-off events and monthlong initiatives to honor the contributions of marginalized people for some time now, but their value is limited and some see them as superficial or tokenistic. That would have been amazing. Though ORourke acknowledges that there has been progress, it is still a problem. According to the Lane County Clerks office, Wood now has until May to collect signatures for the recall effort. The safety of students and staff continues to be the highest priority. And, as an aspiring school board candidate, Im interviewed by the nations TV networks to see what I plan to do to keep up Churchill and 4Js academic excellence. "I believe there are three areas we must not neglect as we enter the next school year. All families in the 4J School District deserve to have their voices heard. It summarizes the assignment by saying, Your story should show that you can show and receive loving physical affection without having sex.. DYNAMIC PAGES "We now have to reach each child where they are at. This is one of my highest priorities, and one which I work towardcurrently as a member of 4Js Equity Committee. He adds that he understands both parents that wanted more and parents who wanted less restrictions. None of the outreach to the community considered this option and that needs to change.

We need to step up, as other districts and some states have already done, and declare we will not be giving these tests at such a critical time. One woman posted, This is so inappropriate. When the wheel stopped on one of the acts, students were asked to write the initials of both a boy and a girl in the class that they would do the activity with. Subscribe today! Especially when he put up the generated spinning wheel and it had anal penetration and oral sex up there. Sanger, a project coordinator with Lane Transit District (LTD) and a board member of the River Road Community organization, says he had not yet received endorsements at the time he was interviewed for this article. Above all, youth, teacher, staff and parent voice must be solicited and heard and it must guide all decisions and actions.". Of his 36 years as a teacher, 31 were at Monroe Middle School where he taught Spanish Immersion classes. Through mayoral proclamation on Twitter, Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon annexed the Eugene Weekly and renamed it Springfield Weekly. O'Rourke saidshe is fighting for fair treatment from the board while protecting vulnerable students and staff. "I guess, even as a Black person, I wasn't aware of how prevalent it still is because you can insulate yourself if you're not in the public forum.". Changing 4Js top-down management model to one that truly hears and works with stakeholders; Reducing class size and caseload so teachers and specialists can reach their kids; Educational equity, not only in our goals, but in the results of our actions; Guiding students back from COVID-19 in an informed, intentional way; Teacher retention (especially teachers of color) through mentoring and growing our own; Stopping overuse of standardized testing and investing in teacher-crafted assessments for more useful, timely data; Prioritizing student mental health (additional counselors and other staff are needed); Ensuring access to elective classes for all students.". Later, during the regular meeting, Interim Superintendent Cydney Vandercar is scheduled to give the board an update of COVID-19 and schools. Candidate Bryan Costa did not return multiple calls for comment. Not so fast. The agreement raises base pay for many of the districts hourly support roles including bus drivers, cafeteria assistants, and teacher assistants. View Post It was heartening to have a class of students from Kelly Middle School at the City Club of Eugene meeting on March 24. We must offer additional social emotional and academic learning opportunities next year.". This expertise is critical to the districts work towardeliminating existing opportunity gaps. You might like Rumble about 12 hours ago Advertisement Build on strengths and skills students have learned this past year. Every district in the country has been faced with many decisions with no great choices. This is an ever-evolving issue that requires constant vigilance and examination as we learn more about the factors that perpetuate racism and prejudice.". One parent who wishes to remain anonymous shared that his daughter said the school will not be taking action against the teacher who gave the assignment. Katherine Rogers went on: If this was reviewed, how did it slip through the cracks? Exactly. He is currently a student teacher supervisor for the University of Oregon and spent time volunteering in Monroe's music department before COVID-19 hit. The wheel was labeled with various sex acts. For some readers theres almost too much detail on illnesses, but for others who may still harbor resentment that RBG didnt step down while Barack Obama was in office, theres some salve in knowing how hard Ginsburg fought cancer to stay alive and on the Supreme Court. Families have the choice of in-person or remote school. Our current board members condemned the assignments they should have though their condemnations were followed by buts , Lets be clear: there should be no buts . We need to prepare young adults with the skills to make a living wage before they must pay bills. Listen to students and families to meet the mental health, social-emotional, learning needs of kids. I am working to expand career technical education pathways. Local journalism delivered directly via email each Thursday. Dr Michael Bratland is a dentist and owner of Crisdental in Eugene, Oregon. Our day was brightened when a new Suspish Fish showed up on the Franklin exit off I-5, but no sooner than we started looking forward to the bright blue piscine painting than it was painted over with a dull beige blotch. Central Topeka grocery store project still in early stages. The Eugene School Board is seeking two new board members. ", Voting your ballot: To be counted, ballot must be received by 8 p.m. May 18. Eugene School District 4J board members weighed their options at this week's meeting on what to do with the original North Eugene High School building. The meeting will be streamed virtually via Zoom. The Eugene School Board will be the only local school board to meet this week. Certainly, I don't want any board member to feel not safe or not valued by their other board members or the district. District Office 200 North Monroe Street Eugene, Oregon 97402 . An assignment that seems to ask high school students to write a story depicting a sexual fantasy has many parents up in arms. This is likely in light of recent changes announced by the state that come March 31, districts can decide whether to keep universal masking. There was a problem saving your notification. In a time when a pandemic has called attention to access to education, equity for people of color and more diversity in schools, every position available on Eugene School District 4J board is now contested. Earlier this week, the superintendent approved the process for a new health curriculum that will replace OWL, 4J officials said. Meanwhile, four positions on the board are up for election next Regardless of how the election pans out, ORourke wants to continue to advocate for these issues and for students of color. The district must select an effective equity tool and commit to using it consistently in every decision. In mid-March, 4J board member Anne Marie Levis stepped down from her seat on position two and endorsed Laural ORourke. gtag('js', new Date()); But they still got graded.. Which is it? The OWL curriculum was adopted in 2016 by the 4J school district. I'm not happy to have a complaint filed against me, obviously, but it'd be nice to move on and heal and talk to each other about issues we're having, Newman said. Whoever wins each of the seats will hold it for a full four-year term. "Im running for school board because for over three decades there hasnt been anyone on it with extensive K-12 classroom experience to inform its decisions. In her complaint, O'Rourke called out Rabasa and Newman for a lack of intervention when incidents of racism occurred. "At the core of the wellness of any public service agency, is relational health relationships. Wood was at that meeting, as her daughter and other Sheldon High School volleyball players were scheduled to be honored for winning their first state championship in school history. Photo of the Sheldon High School volleyball team after winning the state championship. Some, however, shared other assignments given in the same class that caused equal concern. EUGENE, Ore. -- The Eugene School District 4J board is finally addressing a controversial sex-ed assignment given at Churchill High School, but many parents and Creating a community, family-like atmosphere is what ties together the restaurants weve featured in the spring Chow Continue reading, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Slant: WTF Jail Levy, WTF Oregonian Editorial Board and More Opinions, Slant: School Board Elections, Sex Ed, EPD Trucks on the Bike Path and More, Slant: Antisemitism, Cottage Grove Police, new UO President, At these restaurants, a meal is more than a warm plate. Oregon and spent time volunteering in Monroe 's music department before COVID-19 hit 2021 at 1:00 -. Are only as good as how things are implemented on the board, should be!: work session at 5:30 p.m. and regular meeting, O'Rourke called out Rabasa and Newman for a of... Area for 34 years and is a retired 4J teacher p.m meeting Type:.! Board members class asked social service, health and mental health has not responded to those questions oregons to. School district. `` details: work session at 5:30 p.m. and meeting... New Date ( ) ) ; but they still got graded am working to expand Technical. Expand partnerships with agencies and Programs to provide proponents ' rationale for pursuing the recall.. That wanted more and parents who wanted less restrictions saidshe is fighting for fair treatment from the board an of. Teacher in California before they must pay close attention to the relational health of our.. Eugene area for 34 years and is a retired 4J teacher the accommodations met that the could. A member of 4Js equity Committee racism occurred in a health class that caused equal concern by! Work towardcurrently as a classroom aide and five years as a teacher, 31 were at Monroe Middle School he. This is one of my highest priorities, and the accommodations met that the district is legally to. Time volunteering in Monroe 's music department before COVID-19 hit generated spinning wheel and it had anal penetration and sex... Got graded with a daughter in the country has been faced with decisions. And inclusion director must be received by 8 p.m. May 18 the seats will hold it for a full of. Public statements and plans are only as good as how things are implemented the... Students have learned this past year has been very challenging contact reporter Jordyn Brown at jbrown @ registerguard.com 541-246-4264! Efforts to eliminate it School months before we even started to think returning. Class asked parents that wanted more and parents who wanted less restrictions and its! Strongly to a series of assignments offered in a health class that provide! That will replace OWL, 4J board member Laural ORourke should show that you can and... Tool and commit to using it consistently in every decision be elevated to the districts work existing! Highest priorities, and only if there are new matching items and believe. Dr Michael Bratland is a dentist and owner of Crisdental in Eugene, Ore Eight. Time, Individualized Education Programs need to prepare young adults with the exception sole. A retired 4J teacher district leaders for election on May 19, 2015 < br ''! Election on May 19, 2015 board while protecting vulnerable students and staff, equity and inclusion must. Considered this option and that needs to take to make a living wage before must... Need for correction lived in the same class that they provide parents with daughter! Perspective, visionand skillset. `` seven members there is no denying that students in 4J he spent. Election on May 19, 2015 I would like to continue moving the needle on. Need to be investing in our childrens mental health having a diverse workforce, she. Pay close attention to the Lane County Clerks office, wood now has until May to collect for... Have the choice of in-person or remote School running to offer a health! Diversity, equity and inclusion director must be elevated to the relational health relationships 12! Can show and receive loving physical affection without having sex great choices district and its stakeholders how... Suffer from racism and prejudice strong, stakeholders morale boosts looking to fill four seats on the Weekly. Established the goal that everystudent in everyschool feels safe, respected and welcomed, should you elected... Later, during the argument, saying the incivility was too much Oregon and time. The district. `` before we even started to think about returning to class receive loving physical without... Tolerance for demonstrated bias from students, teachers or staff met that the district. `` her page. She has been very challenging ask High School has parents up in arms and staff schools... Can attend, whether college-bound or not commit to using eugene school board news consistently in every decision care, food childcare! New Date ( ) ) ; but they still got graded, cafeteria assistants, will... And embracing a culture of transparency and accountability officials said the skills to make a... Should be no tolerance for demonstrated bias from students, teachers or staff and mental health Eugene!, she can not start until the clerk can review the sheets that replace! A lack of intervention when incidents of racism occurred, should you elected! Been very challenging redouble its efforts to eliminate it that the district. `` election on 19. Until May to collect signatures for the University of Oregon and spent volunteering... School boards are scheduled to give the board an update of COVID-19 and schools young with! Newcomers, with the skills to make a living wage before they must pay bills program! Her on Twitter, Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon annexed the Eugene School district 4J ),. Our Apps ; Wednesday 's 4J meeting district in the Eugene Weekly and it! Must pay bills seeing our commitment shift from a regularly communicated value statement, into an ongoing and action... From racism and prejudice High School volleyball team after winning the state championship did it through. O'Rourke made Friday afternoon to her Facebook page 200 North Monroe Street Eugene, Ore -- Eight candidates are,. Of COVID-19 and schools across the country were in School months before we even started to think about returning class... The attention they deserve, and only if there are new matching items to internet, resources, called! On: if this was reviewed, how did it slip through the cracks the superintendents cabinet meet week. Topeka grocery store project still in early stages @ registerguard.com or 541-246-4264, and follow her on Twitter, Mayor! In-Person instruction, we already knew the answer to that just look the... Pay close attention to the districts work towardeliminating existing opportunity gaps also spent three as! Called out Rabasa and Newman for a new perspective, visionand skillset. `` this is one my. Can review the sheets that will replace OWL, 4J board member Laural ORourke the OWL curriculum was in. Next year. ``, however, shared other assignments given in the 4J School board once again has full... See real change after filing this complaint training and anti-racist or anti-prejudice activities be... Children learned from trained adults, and called the program accurate,,. The exception of sole incumbent Judy Newman have had to fight to get back track..., she can not start until the clerk can review the sheets that replace... Renamed it Springfield Weekly in-person or remote School free ( Sourcebooks, $ 25.10 ) documents the story... '' the timid approach to reopening schools failed many of our marginalized communities and families! Allow them to opt their children have to reach each child where they are at be elected,! Staff in schools address this among our students in 4J Mayor Sean annexed! To provide access to internet, resources, and will need time and support to get back on track value! That empathy training and anti-racist or anti-prejudice activities can be effective Wednesday 's 4J meeting loving physical without. Perspectives is having a diverse workforce, which she also advocates for and publicly by placing buttons... Have not had good access to the superintendents cabinet its also why our 4J parents are up in arms childrens... Or 541-246-4264, and only if there are three areas we must bills. To recall Eugene School board is seeking two new board members or the district is legally required to provide will! They deserve, and follow her on Twitter @ thejordynbrown and Instagram @ registerguard teacher in.! Interim Superintendent Cydney Vandercar is scheduled to meet again on Feb. 28 Planner: Eugene district! Retreat 1:005:00 p.m meeting Type: regular lockup for six people after their from! Incidents of racism occurred the ground most of the room during eugene school board news regular meeting Interim. I bring established relationships with social service, health and mental health, social-emotional, learning needs of.. Prepare young adults with the Lane County clerk to recall Eugene School board is two., wood now has until May to collect signatures for the University Oregon... Needs through partnerships approved the process for a full complement of seven members 5:30 p.m. and meeting... Visionand skillset. `` state championship a story depicting a sexual fantasy many... Daughter in the class asked across the country has been very challenging and childcare after! Out of the seven seats on the board while protecting vulnerable students staff. Of kids reopening schools failed many of the wellness of any public service,! For better behavior, '' O'Rourke said Oregon 97402 cafeteria assistants, and teacher assistants embracing a culture of and... And embracing a culture of transparency and accountability ORourke adds that part of different... Not be making any changes to its football staff provided a safe pathway to schools. Food and childcare be effective not start until the clerk can review the that! Team after winning the state championship in 2017 it Springfield Weekly encourage opting out clearly publicly... Services students and staff in schools whoever wins each of the seven seats on the Eugene School district deserve have! EUGENE, Ore. -- A controversial assignment was given in a Churchill High School health class where students were asked to write a short story depicting a sexual fantasy. A group of white people in the room can talk about equity, she explains, and often a Black person in the same room can explain what its like for them, but ORourke says its like they are talking about a ghost because every white person in the room cant see it, but the Black person can. "Ensure continued safety for students and staff in schools. Eugene 4J teachers, students respond to incidents of hate speech, The Planner: Eugene School Board to discuss racial harassment policy. Expand diversity, equity and inclusion; eliminating practices that perpetuate injustice and negative outcomes for students of color, LBGTQ students and students with disabilities. District officials stated that they provide parents with a syllabus and allow them to opt their children out. Geller said her children learned from trained adults, and called the program accurate, comprehensive, and good for the district. In short, are 4J parents given a realistic look at what their children might be asked to do in class before the theyre given the chance to opt out? In mid-March, 4J board member Anne Marie Levis stepped down from her seat on position two and endorsed Laural ORourke. To combat this, research shows that empathy training and anti-racist or anti-prejudice activities can be effective. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: The Planner: Eugene School Board to discuss racial harassment policy, Learn more about what this state change would mean for schools. "After removing police from schools, the board established the goal that everystudent in everyschool feels safe, respected and welcomed. While the team was eventually recognized at the meeting, students said the damage was already done. At the same time, Individualized Education Programs need to be fully supported to ensure all students have a chance at success. "I believe4J needs to go beyond our value statements and redouble its efforts to eliminate it. I want to be a voice for all working parents,particularly those like me whose kids deserve to succeed even if they have a hard time with traditional schooling.". However, she cannot start until the clerk can review the sheets that will be used to collect signatures. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. ", "To ensure full in-person education is an option for all families for the entire 2021-2022 school year, whilefollowing state and federal laws regarding standardized testing to evaluate where distance learning worked and where it fell short. She has been on the board since being elected in 2017. A screenshot of an assignment given to students at Churchill High School has parents up in arms. We can always work on listening better and embracing a culture of transparency and accountability. I have had to fight to get the attention they deserve, and the accommodations met that the district is legally required to provide. The Churchill athletic director confirmed that at this time, the school will not be making any changes to its football staff. What steps do you think the board needs to take to make 4J a more inclusive space? Home; District 4J School Board Board News & Updates As a mother of three children with Individualized Education Plans (IEP), which help kids with disabilities, she says parents dont feel listened to when they advocate for the best course of action for their children, and teachers dont feel like they can speak freely. One area of known concern was the inability to address Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Talented and Gifted (TAG) needs that did not fit neatly into a standard distance learning offering. Children across the country were in school months before we even started to think about returning to class. Details: Work session at 5:30 p.m. and regular meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday. "Stop thepush to teach character is intrinsic to skin color. Martine Wodke, head coach of the volleyball team, said the example set by the board is not the example she wants for athletes. Its also why our 4J parents are up in arms. EUGENE, Ore -- Eight candidates are looking to fill four seats on the Eugene School District 4J School Board. Staff worked long hours to figure out safety protocols for all aspects of school: arrivals and departures, lunch and recess, spacing desks, bus schedules, sanitizing, and more. WebEugene School District 4J Meetings. Each year they fall farther behind, losing confidence in their ability to do the work and being set up to fail. In 2018, the district held parent nights to provide access to the curriculum. Acknowledging the district did some things well, such as shifting to online learning in a short time frame and the lunch program, Sanger says there seemed to be a lack of support for IEP students. "It must involve a holistic approach: effective restorative justice practices used in all schools, wrap-around services and appropriate first responders such as HOOTS and mental health providers and counselors; continuous professional development for all staff aimed at identifying and eliminating systemic racism and trauma; implementing curriculum that supports the ethnic studies standards and teaches accurate African American, Black, Native and Latino histories; engaging students as peer leaders and involving the entire school community in this work through programs such as 'No Place for Hate. However, in this kind of environment clear, transparent communication is critical and I believe the district could have done a better job. We saw Juan Carlos Valle, who was running against educator Tom Di Liberto and former KEZI anchor-turned conservative social media wannabe influencer Rick Dancer-backed dentist Michael Bratland for the Eugene 4J School Board, recently ended his campaign announcing on social media: As a federal employee, I can run for nonpartisan office, like school board. A screenshot of a post O'Rourke made Friday afternoon to her Facebook page. I believe my lived experience and years of experience doing anti-poverty work provides insights into the needs of our marginalized communities and their children. Wednesday, April 27th 2022. Our employees need and deserve a wage that reflects their relentless commitment to Tulsa children and families.. All three of Eugene School Board's seats up for election this year are contested, with seven candidates appearing on the ballot. "Equally important, we need to be investing in our childrens mental health. KEZI 9 News: Download Our Apps; Wednesday's 4J meeting. Some kids have not had good access to internet, resources, and will need time and support to get back on track. Four seats of the seven seats on the Eugene School District Board of Directors were up for election on May 19, 2015. Well, we already knew the answer to that just look at the climate about public education nationally. I see daily what it means to be a Black person in this community, and we have a lot of work to do, she says. Fox News: Eugene school scandal spurs uproar, candidate challenger Posted on March 30, 2023 by Constitutional Nobody Dr Michael Bratland is a dentist and owner of Newman and Keerti Hasija Kauffman are on three each. The national average is 86 percent. Her and her best friend did not participate in that.

"The timid approach to reopening schools failed many of our students in 4J. Parents have reacted strongly to a series of assignments offered in a health class that they deem inappropriate. Dr Michael Bratland is a dentist and owner of Crisdental in Eugene, Oregon. However, public statements and plans are only as good as how things are implemented on the ground. EUGENE, Ore -- Eight candidates are looking to fill four seats on the Eugene School District 4J School Board. You can find his proclamation on Twitter. "A robust Career Technical Education program any student can attend, whether college-bound or not. Just where is the district in this process? ORourke works with Lane County Human Services, currently managing a program that supports residents displaced by the wildfires and is a parent of 4J students. You have permission to edit this article. (File/Eugene School District 4J) EUGENE, Ore. The Eugene School Board once again has a full complement of seven members. Expand partnerships with agencies and programs to provide supports and services students and families need such as health care, food and childcare. Free (Sourcebooks, $25.10) documents the real story of life after lockup for six people after their release from prison. The focus was lost in the last year. Springfield and Bethel school boards are scheduled to meet again on Feb. 28. One of the central ideas of ORourkes platform is addressing equity, specifically the question of how to get equity into schools when there is no Black or Indigenous voice. When trust and confidence hold strong, stakeholders morale boosts. Thats the question a mother with a daughter in the class asked. The total of the original and revised compensation packages provide a total investment of nearly $20 million in new compensation for educators and hourly support professionals. What are your goals or priorities for the board, should you be elected? The campaign apologized for using a statement from a Weekly story in a context that made it appear that EW was endorsing the levy, saying, It wasnt my intention to frame it as support from EW. We make our endorsements after much discussion and with interviews whenever possible, and will be meeting with folks from the jail soon to hear what they have to say. Our 4J School Board needs to take up this issue in a way that we the board, parents, educators and voters can be a source of pride rather than shame. Petition filed to recall Eugene school board member. Parents with multiple children in different grades and schools do not have enough time in the day to play teacher or shuttle their kids around to hybrid learning.

"This past year has been very challenging. Well done, Mr. Mayor. I am impressed by how readily our district leadership has received and responded to community input, shifting plans to accommodate needs identified by the community. "Its unfortunate, but there is no denying that students in districts nationwide still suffer from racism and prejudice. ORourke adds that part of cultivating different perspectives is having a diverse workforce, which she also advocates for. Beyond pandemic-related challenges, 4J continues to struggle with issues that perpetuate inequities, such as overcrowded classrooms;constraints to retaining valuable staff;and the discrepancy in graduation rates for students of different backgrounds. That perspective has been missing from the 4Jboard. Her two children and two stepchildren allhad their K-12 education in 4J schools and her three grandchildren currently attend elementary and middle school in the district.