865 Citizens run for local education boards

A total of 865 citizens have filed to run for board positions in Oregon's school districts, education service districts and community colleges in the May 15 election, according to a survey conducted by the Oregon School Boards Association.

Oregon voters will fill 701 board positions for terms that begin in July. In the election two years ago, 710 positions were open with 947 candidates.

"Guiding student achievement in our schools and serving the greater community by ensuring that all youngsters are getting the best education we can provide is a tough job," said OSBA Executive Director Kevin McCann. "Board members volunteer many hours a month, even beyond their regular meetings, to serve students. We applaud that local effort."

More findings from OSBA's survey (percentages are consistent with patterns in elections in recent years): 

• There are 478 incumbents running (55.26 percent). 

• More than half (54.10 percent) of races are uncontested.

• Races with two candidates: 145 (16.76 percent).

• Races with three candidates: 26 (3.01 percent).

• Fewer than one percent of statewide board positions have 4-6 candidates.

• No candidates have filed for 56 open positions (6.47 percent).

• Almost half (98 of 198) districts, ESDs and community colleges have the majority of their board positions open.

There are five-way races in Bend-La Pine, Brookings-Harbor and Cove, and a six-way race in Hillsboro. Eagle Point and Linn-Benton Community College each have a four-way race.

School districts had 706 candidates filing for 570 open positions; 380 of the candidates are incumbents.

Education service districts have 69 open positions with 72 candidates running, 52 of whom are incumbents.

Community colleges (17 total boards) have 87 candidates vying for 62 positions; 46 incumbents are running and 35 positions have only one candidate.

Under a 1995 law, board elections are held every two years. Board members serve four-year terms. When no candidates file for a position, the person who receives the most write-in votes is elected if that person is qualified under election law. If no names are written in, the board appoints someone to fill the vacant position.

About half of local positions are open every two years.