This week, the Portland Association of Teachers PAC Board will be completing the process of interviewing and vetting candidates for the Portland School Board, and making endorsements in each Zone. For the PAT PAC, this is our most important race, as School Board decisions directly affect our working conditions, our students’ experiences, and the functionality of the District. There will be four seats up for election this May.

In making recommendations, the PAT PAC Board evaluates each candidate’s record and responses to interview questions, and considers the following criteria: Union values and support for collective bargaining; Support for public education, including their record of advocating for state funding; Stance on education issues, including the role of standardized testing; and their alignment with PAT goals, including racial equity and valuing teacher voice.

PAT PAC is funded by voluntary contributions by members, and no dues dollars are used to support candidates for office. PAT PAC endorsements are made by vote of the PAT PAC Board, and Board members are elected by PAT PAC contributors. Lean more about the PAT PAC here. To become a PAT PAC member, fill out this form and return it to PAT!