When Legislature talks about education, who will stand for students?

OSBA’s Board election cycle has begun, giving school boards the opportunity to look toward the biennial legislative long session and vital decisions around school funding.

The OSBA Board, whose members are leaders in education advocacy, offers guidance to the association as it wrestles with bills. The nomination period for open positions begins Monday, Aug. 22, and new members and officers will take their seats Jan. 1, just in time for the 2023 legislative session.

Even as the education system starts to look more like normal this year, schools are struggling with ongoing issues such as student mental health, staffing and state oversight. OSBA Board members provide a student-focused voice both in the Capitol and in their communities. 

Oregon school boards will choose representatives for 13 regional positions. Nominations must be by formal resolution. Election materials and a calendar are on the OSBA Election Center. The nominating period closes Sept. 30, and voting begins Nov. 15.

OSBA Board positions are typically for two years and are based on geographic areas. This year, all odd-numbered positions are up for election, except position 19 (Multnomah). OSBA Board President-elect Sonja McKenzie, of the Parkrose School Board, holds position 19 and will automatically become president on Jan. 1 and retain the seat. Position 8 (Clackamas), position 10 (Linn/Benton/Lincoln), position 12 (Marion) and position 16 (Washington) will have elections for one-year terms   

School boards will also vote on a resolution on this year’s “Legislative Priorities and Principles” and can potentially submit other resolutions. The OSBA Board will select officers in September. 

- Jake Arnold, OSBA
jarnold@osba.org