The Portland Association of Teachers Political Action Committee (PAT PAC) is proud to announce its endorsements for the May 18, 2021 school board election.

Herman Greene, in Zone 4, is a long time resident and advocate in North Portland. He is a father of four PPS graduates, and his daughter is a Roosevelt teacher (and PAT Member!)  At the core of his work is his passion for equity, unity and hope for his community. He believes in the power of public education, and at the sametime understands the disparities of Black and Brown children and other marginalized and undeserved youth in our schools. He will be a powerful and needed voice on the PPS School Board. Learn more here.

Gary Hollands, in Zone 5, is a PPS alumnus and parent. He has deep ties to the North/Northeast Portland community as a business owner and an Executive Director of the Albina Sports Program. He has previously served on the MESD Board and founded Interstate Trucking Academy.  Gary is a staunch advocate of CTW, and envisions a school system that supports the whole child – with healthy social environments, with diverse and varied learning opportunities, with safe, welcoming places, and mentorship.  Learn more here.

Zone 6--No Recommendation

In this race, incumbent Julia Brim-Edwards is running against newcomers Max Margolis and Libby Glynn. Your PAT PAC board did not feel we could endorse any of these candidates. We remain concerned about the influence of large multinational corporations on Julia Brim-Edwards’ decisions as a School Board director. Max Margolis and Libby Glynn, both strong parent activists, have a good understanding of the problems of the school system, but do not yet have the experience needed to manage a city-wide campaign. Therefore, we are not able to make an endorsement in this race.

We look forward to working with these candidates to improve our schools, and better support our students and families.

The PAT PAC endorsement panel consisted of 9 educators along with OEA staff. The panel considered the following criteria while making their endorsements: support for collective bargaining; commitment to educator voice; knowledge of education issues such as standardized testing and disrupted learning; commitment to racial equity; advocacy for strong, fully-funded public schools; and electability.

Learn more about the PAT PAC here.

PAT PAC is funded entirely through member contributions, not through dues dollars. Get involved and support great candidates like these: Donate to the PAT PAC here.