1,053 Citizens Run For Local School, Education Boards
April 20, 2005 Outlook & Review (40k )

A total of 1,053 citizens have filed to run for board positions in Oregon’s school districts, education service districts and community colleges in the May 17 election, according to a survey conducted by the Oregon School Boards Association.

Oregon voters have 767 board positions to fill for terms beginning in July. There are 57 more positions than were open in 2003, with 106 more candidates running than two years ago.

“We applaud these citizens for wanting to make a difference in one of Oregon’s most important local government responsibilities,” said OSBA Executive Director Kevin McCann. “They will be taking on the tough job of leading districts toward higher student achievement and engaging their communities while still facing the challenge of tight resources.” 

McCann noted more “races” this time, with fewer uncontested positions – 46 percent have only one candidate compared with 67.5 percent in 2003. He also noted fewer incumbents are running again – 51 percent compared with 70 percent in 2003.

More findings from OSBA’s survey:

• Incumbents are running in 540 races (51 percent).
• 486 positions have one candidate running unopposed (46 percent).
• 191 races have two candidates (18 percent).
• 39 races have three candidates (3.7 percent).
• 9 races have four candidates (0.85 percent).
• 4 races have five candidates (.38 percent).
• 36 positions have no candidates running (3.2 percent). In 2003 there were 37 positions without candidates; 22 positions in 2001 and 31 in 1999 without candidates. 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.
• 121 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: The Portland Public School Board has the most contested board races, with one four, one five- and one six-way race. Salem-Keizer has one five- and one six-way race. Other boards with four-way races include South Umpqua, Eagle Point, Philomath, St. Helens and Willamette ESD. The Multnomah ESD has two four-way races.

District, ESD and community college break-downs

School districts (198 total boards) have 642 positions out of 1,167 on the ballot with a total of 873 candidates running. Almost half the races, 401 (45.9 percent) are uncontested. Incumbents number 437 and 34 slots have no candidates. In 2003 there were 30 positions with no candidates; and 22 in 2001. Two school districts each have three open positions with no candidates: Pleasant Hill in Lane County and Burnt River in Baker County.

Education Service Districts (20 total boards) have 68 positions open out of 152 total with 93 candidates running, including 60 incumbents. Races for 48 positions are uncontested and two positions had no candidates (Clackamas and Grant ESDs).

Community colleges (17 total boards) have 87 candidates vying for 57 positions out of 119 total positions; 43 incumbents are running and 37 positions have only one candidate.

Under a 1995 law, board elections are held every two years. Oregon has a total of 1,438 district, ESD and community college board positions.