The PAT PAC is proud to announce our recommendations for the May 2017 election. Candidates share a proven track record of leadership and commitment to strengthening our public schools so that our students can receive the education they deserve.
For Portland School Board:
- Zone 4: Rita Moore
- Zone 5: Scott Bailey
- Zone 6: Trisha Parks*
For MESD Board:
- Pos. 1, Zone 5: Susie Jones
- Pos. 2, At Large: Helen Ying
- Pos. 3, Zone 2: Mary Botkin
* Trisha Parks recently announced she will not be able to campaign due to unforeseen short-term health concerns. Her name will still appear on the ballot. The PAT PAC will meet next week to determine how to proceed in this race.
The PAT PAC board considered the following criteria while making our endorsements: support for collective bargaining, trust of educators, knowledge of education issues including the impact of poverty, willingness to advocate at the state and national level including a willingness to oppose bad education policies, the candidate's record advocating for school funding, their advocacy for safe and healthy schools, and their electability.
Support the Bond for Safe, Modern, Healthy Schools!
On March 22, the PAT Representative Assembly voted to support the Portland Public Schools Bond. This bond is the second step in a 30-year strategic plan to modernize all our schools. Specifically, this bond will provide funds to fully rebuild or modernize 4 schools: Benson, Madison, Lincoln, and Kellogg. In addition, it will fund much needed health and safety projects across the district, including removing lead, asbestos, and radon hazards, repairing roofs, seismic upgrading, and improving ADA accessibility. Learn more at www.healthyschoolspdx.com.
This work is urgent, and if the bond does not pass, we will likely need to use the general fund to address the most urgent safety needs, and that would mean even less funding for teachers.
If you are interested in volunteering to help pass the bond, please sign up here. We will pass your information on to the Bond Campaign.
Get Involved in the School Board Races
The School Board races in May are crucial. More than any other elected position, school board impacts our work and our profession on a daily basis, so we need everyone to get involved and get political.
Whoever wins will not only set our salaries and work closely with our next Superintendent, their decisions will shape our working conditions and our students’ learning conditions for years to come. Unfortunately, our future champions are facing off against candidates backed by Stand for Children, the Waltons, and the Portland Business Alliance. We know that the only way to beat organized money is with organized people, so please get involved.
Canvass to Elect Rita for Portland School Board!
One concrete way you can get involved is to canvass for Rita Moore on Saturday, April 15th from 10am-noon. Canvassers will gather at PAT. Treat yourself to baked goods and coffee and then head out to distribute lawn signs.