947 citizens run for local education boards  (59k )

A total of 947 people have filed to run for board positions in Oregon’s school districts, education service districts and community colleges in the May 20 election, according to a survey conducted by the Oregon School Boards Association.

Oregon voters have 710 board positions to fill for terms beginning in July. More findings from OSBA’s survey:

• Incumbents are running in 502 races (70 percent).
• 479 positions have one candidate running unopposed (67.5 percent).
• 132 races have two candidates (18.6 percent).
• 47 races have three candidates (6.6 percent).
• 12 races have four candidates (1.7 percent).
• 3 races have five candidates (.4 percent).
• 37 positions have no candidates running (5.2 percent). In 2001 there were 22 positions without candidates and 31 positions had no candidates in 1999. In these cases, the person who receives the largest number of write-in votes and is qualified to hold the office is elected. If no names are written in, the board declares the position vacant and appoints someone to fill it.
• 88 districts, ESDs and community colleges have a majority of their board positions open. Oregon’s total count is 236 districts, ESDs and community colleges.

Bigger races -- Boards with four-way races include Ashland, Brookings-Harbor, Bend, Clatsop Community College, Harper, Harrisburg, Jefferson (two four-way races), Lebanon, Medford, Ranier and Yoncalla. Three boards have five-way races for one of their positions: Lane Community College, Morrow and Philomath.

District, ESD and community college break-downs

School districts (198 total boards) have 566 positions out of 1,167 on the ballot with a total of 775 candidates running. Most races, 366 (64 percent) are uncontested. Incumbents number 389 and 30 slots have no candidates. In 2001 there were 22 positions with no candidates; and 28 in 1999.

Education Service Districts (21 total boards) have 83 positions open out of 163 total with 87 candidates running, including 69 incumbents. Races for 66 positions are uncontested.

Community colleges (17 total boards) have 85 candidates vying for 61 positions out of 119 total positions; 44 incumbents are running and 47 positions have only one candidate.

Following a voter-approved merger in Wasco County, seven candidates have filed to run for the new seven-member school board that will serve The Dalles and Chenowith areas. This board officially assumes control of the new combined school district in July 2004 but will take office on July 1, 2003 as a “transitional” board. The two school districts will remain separate with their own boards until July 2004.

“With the funding crisis facing education today, we applaud the citizens who step up to serve their communities,” said OSBA Executive Director Chris Dudley. “Their leadership and community support is needed more than ever. They will serve countless hours running what is often the largest, and most important, business in their communities. They deserve our respect.”

Under a 1995 law, board elections are held every two years. Oregon has a total of 1,449 district, ESD and community college board positions.