Three more school board members add education voices to Legislature

The 2017 legislative session will enjoy the benefit of having a number of former and current school board members taking seats in the Legislature. In 2015-16, the Legislature included several former and two sitting school board members. This election cycle brought three more current school board members to the legislative ranks.

Rep. Janeen Sollman (D-Hillsboro) has been on the Hillsboro School Board since 2009. As a member of the Hillsboro School Board, Rep. Sollman understands that education is the key to opportunity. She has been a vocal advocate for making sure schools have the resources they need to keep teachers, reduce class sizes and make investments in CTE and dual-credit programs.

Rep. Diego Hernandez (D-Portland) is a member of the Reynolds School Board. Rep. Hernandez has been a vocal proponent of schools, saying that he has “the experience, education and dedication it takes to fight for great schools and safer communities, and to advocate for a strong economy that supports working families and small businesses.”

Rep. David Brock Smith (R-Gold Beach) has been a Port Orford-Langlois School Board member for eight years. Rep. Smith has stressed his experience in his community and commitment to all Oregonians, saying, “I have been dedicated to the fish, farm, forest industries; education; public health; and safety and veteran services to the residents of southwest Oregon, focusing on economic development for our communities, their residents and industries.”

Congratulations to the newly elected legislators. OSBA looks forward to working with you and your colleagues on pressing educational issues during the session. 

Rep. Janeen Sollman	Rep. Diego Hernandez	Rep. David Brock Smith