Ruth Adkins for Portland School District Zone 1

Name :
Ruth Adkins
Position Sought:
Portland School District Director, Zone 1
Why are you running? :
I have been involved in Portland Public Schools since 1996, at my three children's schools and also, through my involvement with PTA, multiple school funding campaigns, and the Neighborhood Schools Alliance, as an advocate for schools citywide. It's time for me to step up and help shape policy as a member of the School Board.
I want Portland to be a city where every family is excited about sending their children to a great neighborhood public school. I respectfully disagree with many of the recent decisions by the majority of the School Board, in particular the approval of sweeping changes and reconfigurations. I'm concerned about the District's proposed standardized curriculum, about the lack of a reasonable school size policy, and about continued inequities between schools in different neighborhoods. I also want to help PPS work closely with the City in developing affordable family housing near schools so that we can increase enrollment and keep Portland a livable, walkable, family-friendly city.
I know the history and the issues, and I will be a strong, independent voice on the Board who can help PPS reconnect with the community.
What questions should we be asking your opponent(s)? :
If the incumbent, Doug Morgan, is a candidate (as of this writing he has not filed): What is your plan for helping increase enrollment in Portland Public Schools?
All other candidates: The issues facing the School Board are extremely complex. Please describe your experience and history with Portland Public Schools that prepare you for this job.
What need(s) will be met if your campaign is successful? :
Parents, teachers, and community members will know that they have a strong, independent advocate in a leadership position. Crucial issues such as funding inequities, school size/location policy, and increasing enrollment will be elevated. Working collaboratively with the District and community partners, I hope to make real progress in these and other areas.
What else can be done to meet these needs? :
Do everything I have been doing: testify at Board meetings, write letters to the editor, talk to reporters, write letters to elected officials, blog, talk and listen to others, send out emails, circulate petitions, attend PTA and neighborhood association meetings, volunteer in your neighborhood school.
What will you do to address these issues if you lose? :
Continue to work as a citizen advocate at all levels--in the schools, in neighborhoods, at the School District, with the Board, with City Hall, and in Salem.
What need(s) will be met if your campaign is not successful? :
The status quo will continue -- one that is not always in the best interests of the broader community.
What else can be done to meet those needs? :
We can get more funding from Salem (I will also, of course, continue to advocate for state funding as a Board member).
Get Republicans out of office, and restore public education as a bedrock value of our society.
What, in our platform or legislative agenda, leads you to believe that we would support your campaign? :
"In order to secure the best future for our state and the quality of life for its residents, we support maximizing lifelong educational opportunities for all students and the commitment of resources necessary for universally accessible, unsurpassed excellence in public education at all levels."
What specific actions and behaviors should we consider when taking a position with respect to your campaign? :
My record of working hard at the local level, caring passionately about this city and its neighborhoods and schools. I am known for thoughtful, detailed, intelligent advocacy.
If you are endorsed, what one-line slogan would you like us to use in our communications about your campaign? :
Strong Schools, Strong Neighborhoods
If you are endorsed, what text would you like to appear beside your name and photo in our voters' guide? :
We believe Ruth Adkins will provide the independent community voice that is needed on our Portland School Board at a time when PPS is undergoing sweeping changes. Adkins has long experience as a parent activist both in her SW Portland neighborhood and on behalf of schools citywide. We are confident that Ruth Adkins will use her experience and skills to help PPS reconnect with the community -- something that is desperately needed in many corners of this city.
website :
www.voteruthadkins.com (under construction)
‹ Endorsement Survey ResponsesupZak Johnson for MESD 2 ›
( file it: )