JOHN BALL

OCCUPATION: Chief Operating Officer, Multnomah County

OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: President, Worksystems, Inc.; Executive Director, Oregon Commission on Children and Families; Lane County Commissioner; Real Estate Broker

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: B.A., University of Oregon, History/Foreign Language; A.S., Lane Community College, Business/Real Estate; Graduate Studies, University of Oregon Dept. of Planning, Public Policy/Management

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Director, Oregon Commission on Children and Families; Lane County Commissioner; Eugene City Councilor

“John brings a fresh approach to the School Board. He cares deeply about kids and public schools and has the skills necessary to ensure the best use of every dollar and that every student receives a quality education,”
– Nancy Wilton, Portland Parent

John Ball:

• Leadership experience to help build a new partnership for success in Portland Public Schools.
• Statewide experience will help Portland work with communities across Oregon toward a long term school funding solution.

John Ball:

“a reputation as tough on fiscal issues and unafraid…a problem-solver…investing in preventive programs for children;..He’s also known as an innovative thinker and exceptional communicator with an ability to connect with all kinds of people.” – Oregonian 4/18/94

John Ball:
Proven leadership for Oregon children, students and families, including managing:

• Great Start,
• Healthy Start,
• Youth Conservation Corps,
• Student Retention Initiative,
• Juvenile Services and School to Work programs.

John Ball:

“involved with the Children’s Agenda from the beginning…a tremendous asset in helping the state build a Children’s Agenda partnership with local communities, businesses and individuals.” – Governor Goldschmidt, 8/1/89

John Ball:

• Hispanic Chamber Certificate of Appreciation,
• Oregon ACLU Civil Liberties Award,
• Oregon State University Center for At-Risk Youth Distinguished Service Award,
• Northwest Oregon Labor Council Certificate of Appreciation

John Ball: endorsed by: Portland Association of Teachers, Portland Federation of Teachers and Classified Employees, Bill Scott, County Chair Diane Linn, Stephen Kafoury, Commissioners Maria Rojo de Steffey and Lisa Naito, Dianne Iverson, Iris Bell, and many others.

(This information furnished by John Ball for School Board)
 


JAMES LAIDLER

OCCUPATION: Physician

OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Oregon Health and Sciences University 1997–2002; Director of Pain Management, Providence Anchorage Medical Center 1994–1996; Flight Surgeon, US Army 1986-1990

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Doctor of Medicine, University of Southern California; Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Pacific Lutheran University

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: None

Portland schools are in crisis: they are being continually pounded by funding shortfalls, changing population and a lack of long-term planning. The current solutions are not working. Portland public schools need leaders with fresh perspectives and a new direction.

My two children attend Portland public schools, one in kindergarten and one in third grade, so I am not interested in a “quick fix”. We need to develop a long-term strategic plan that will carry Portland public schools well into the 21st century.

My oldest son is in Special Education and I know the struggles of parents of children with special needs. I understand the inefficiencies of the Special Education system and how that hurts the children, their parents, the teachers and the taxpayers.

The problems facing Portland public schools cannot be fixed by trimming and adjusting the system; many of the problems are inherent to the system itself. We need schools that are agile and flexible, that can roll with the economic punches and take advantage of new opportunities.

First and foremost, Portland public schools need to provide our children with the skills they need to succeed in the world of the 21st century. We need to teach our children not just dry facts but how to think and learn for themselves. We need to help every child reach their true potential, for our sakes as well as theirs. The students of today are the workforce of tomorrow; they will be the engineers, scientists, teachers and doctors after we retire.

(This information furnished by James Laidler, MD)
 


JOHN LEKAS

OCCUPATION: Leader Capital Corp, President/Owner

OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Leader Capital Corp, President/Owner

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: University of Oregon, Bachelor’s Degree: Finance

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: None

Community Involvement:

Coach – Boys basketball team last four years
Implemented outdoor children’s basketball resurfacing program in conjunction with Nike July 2002
We have a solution to the problem that is currently facing the schools and the taxpayers.

Current Problem:

A centralized school system for which there is no accountability, either financially or to ensure that a high level of education is given to the children. That is both the fault of the system, as well as the local government. A centralized system also separates parents from the schools, which further deteriorates children’s ability to achieve. Parents feel their input is ignored.

Solution “9-10-11”:

Set up a decentralized system, whereby the principal is responsible for financial and educational policies within state and federal laws. This will involve a PTA, which has far more influence with their school. I put together seven school budgets for the smallest and largest elementary, middle, and high schools using $9,000 for each elementary school student, $10,000 for each middle school student, and $11,000 for each high school student, i.e. “9-10-11”. Actual federal and state budgets are approximately $11,200 per student. We found a surplus of approximately $16,000,000 within the seven schools (see our web page at www.leadercapital.com). Attempting to fix the current system will not work. We need to move to a system that uses actual line item accounting and GIVES THE SCHOOLS BACK TO THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.

In Summary:

1) Decentralize the schools.
2) Open currently closed schools.
3) Use the current funds allocated to schools and have accountability for financial and educational standards.
4) Work towards a more equal distribution of state and federal funds.
5) Give schools back to the neighborhood.
6) Work towards raising teacher salaries.

(This information furnished by John Lekas)
 


SAM OAKLAND

OCCUPATION: English and Law Professor; International Consultant

OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Director Emeritus: The Siberian Law Education Centre; English Professor: Belarussian State Economics University; Novosibirsk SU; Central China U; Portland SU; Eastern Washington U; Michigan SU; International Consultant: Former USSR, & The Baltics

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: BA, MA: Michigan State University; Juris Doctorate: The City University of New York School of Law at Queens College

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Chairman: City of Portland Bicycle Paths Taskforce

I discovered Portland in 1963, and came here in 1967 to make this wonderful city my home. For the last 5 years I have been in the former Soviet Union, teaching English, human rights law, and also building a public interest law school and peoples’ law clinic in Siberia.

Now that I am semi-retired and almost finished with the campaign to keep three United States 9th Circuit Court judges from evicting our 1875 Pioneer Post Office, and taking over the whole building on Pioneer Courthouse Square for themselvers. I am ready to work to help Portland Public Schools.

My program for PPS:

No more public school closures
A significant thinning out of PPS administrators
All administrators to teach at least one class every day
Administration work-space moved to a recently closed school
Rental or sale of the Blanchard Administration Building
Future PPS superintendents chosen from local area candidates
Lifelong-learning night-school centers in all communities
Protection of art, music, and physical education programs

References:

“Sam has the ability to focus on things that make a difference to the community – not in a hysterical way, but firm and insistent.” Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Oregonian 10/16/2003

“Sam Oakland – he’s the quintessential Oregonian of days gone by who is so passionate about an issue that he is willing to sacrifice personal comfort to see it through.” Renee Mitchell, Oregonian 10/16/2003

“Sam Oakland was instrumental in getting bicycle paths built along Oregon highways, and this and his other work on behalf of the environment won him international acclaim.” Editorial, The Oregon Journal 4/28/1975

(This information furnished by Sam Oakland)
 


BOBBIE REGAN

OCCUPATION: Marketing/Communications Consultant; School Volunteer/Leader

OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Marketing Director; Management and Communications for Businesses and Non-profits

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: BA, Fredonia State (NY)

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Legislative Assistant, US Congress

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP: V.P., Community and Parents for Public Schools; Leader, HOPE (Help Out Public Education); PTA Co-President; former Co-Chair, School Site Council; school Foundation Board Member; classroom volunteer

FAMILY: Husband, Barrett Stambler; sons Jamey (13), Dillon (10)

Bobbie Regan…A Hero For Our Schools
“Bobbie is a hero for our local schools. She’s the rare School Board candidate bringing business experience, years of school volunteer work and a record of delivering results for our schools.”

- Scott Bailey, President, Community & Parents for Public Schools
- Dan Saltzman, Portland City Commissioner
- John Whisler, co-owner, Kitchen Kaboodle

As a school leader, Bobbie helped:

• Lower class sizes and prevent teacher layoffs
• Secure funding to ensure a diverse, challenging curriculum that prepares kids for college or careers
• Increase parent involvement
• Lead the successful parent effort for local funding, restoring Portland’s school year

Leadership for Financial Accountability, Stable Funding, Academics
Bobbie is the candidate with business AND schools experience. She will:

• Make sure dollars get into the classroom to improve student achievement
• Save tax dollars through performance auditing
• End golden parachutes for departing administrators
• Pressure the Legislature for stable school funding
• Set high expectations for all students and push for quality instruction in every classroom
• Create a Citizens Budget Report so taxpayers know how their money is spent

“Bobbie’s management skills will ensure your tax dollars are well spent.” - State Treasurer Randall Edwards

Teachers and Principals Support Bobbie!
“Bobbie’s leadership skills are a huge asset to our schools. She supports and respects our work.” - Portland Teachers Pat Smith, Anne Hasson, Joe Kurtz

“Bobbie is a tireless worker for our schools.” - Portland School Principals Cheryl Johnson, Ann Gerson

WE ALSO ENDORSE BOBBIE: Stand for Children, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, Multnomah County Commissioner Serena Cruz, Mike Roach, Jane Ames, Nick Fish, Julie Brim-Edwards and many others.

(This information furnished by Bobbie Regan)
 


JAMES WEST

OCCUPATION: Onsite Apartment manager

OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: PCC, ASPCC Director at SE Center; MetroSmart.com, Founder/Director

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: PCC Cascade

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: None

Other Community Involvement: Campaign Manager, City Council Special Election 2002; PCP for MCDCC

Military Background: US Navy, USS Princeton Operation Specialist

Communication: Two-Way Street

Accountability Starts with Listening. As elected officials, the board is supposed to make decisions in conjunction with the public. Their history of making decisions behind closed doors and brokering deals without community input is not the type of public service in which I believe.

We are in this crisis together. Portland demands representation and leadership on the board. PPS keeps the public out of the conversation when wrestling with budget.

Fiscal Accountability is saying where money is going and providing answers about costs in moments’ notice. There is no problem facing PPS that cannot be helped with readily available financial information.

An Education Guarantee to Every Graduate

Why do students receive a Diploma in May only to pay (out of pocket) to retake HS level pre-requisites the following year at PCC? This phenomenon is the little-known sinister tax of the achievement gap at work against low-income/minority students. Unless this penalty is in place the administration will not have proper incentive to cut through rhetoric and actually deliver world-class education students deserve.

We need to guarantee Diplomas. Graduates should be able to go to college and test into the minimum 100-level Reading, Writing, Math. If we can’t achieve that, then we all fail, not the students. In the end students will pay the ultimate price…their futures.

Having one of seven board members as someone who graduated HS in the last ten years will bring an invaluable perspective of what our children face after graduation.

It seems the only solution offered by the current board is a cry for more money –when the more obvious solution is better management.

Call my cell (503) 975 6742; for my full statement.

(This information furnished by West for the Future)