Oakridge School Board candidates for Position 2: ex-teacher Susan Hardy versus CNA August Reed

Oakridge School Board incumbent Susan Hardy is being challenged for re-election to a four-year term in Position 2 on the board by August Reed in the May 18 elections. Hardy, a former teacher, and Reed, a certified nursing assistant, are residents of Oakridge.

Lane County elections officials say all registered voters should have received their ballots in the mail as of Wednesday, May 5. Voters are being advised to return their ballots by mail by Tuesday, May 11.

Hardy and Reed are among six candidates competing for three openings on the board. All six received invitations from The Herald to provide a brief biographical profile and answers to five questions dealing with local school issues, including their feelings about the current board’s handling of the controversy over the performance of School Supt. Reta Doland. Here are the responses from Reed, provided with no editing by The Herald in an effort to maintain fairness. Hardy declined to participate, citing time constraints.

Biographical profiles

HARDY: No response.

REED: My name is August Reed. I am a 27-year-old mother of two children who are in this school district. I am currently a Certified Nursing Assistant. I am working towards finishing an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I served two years on the Head Start Policy Council approving new hires and budgets, making policies, and reviewing grants and contracts. Given my varied background, I would be an asset to the school board in many ways.

Why did you decide to run for this office?

HARDY: No response.

REED: I decided to run for school board because it is very important to me that all children receive a quality education to build their lives on. Our children are our future. I’m a strong believer in being the change you want to see in the world. This pandemic has been difficult for all of us, especially our children. Being on the school board would give me the ability to speak up for the needs of our students and staff. At the end of the day, we are all here for the children.

What are the biggest challenges facing our school district?

HARDY: No response.

REED: Our school district is facing many challenges right now. We are an isolated community with limited options and funding to make things happen for our students. Another challenge is retaining teachers. We have lost several teachers and a couple principles in the last few years. Our graduation rates are low. We also need to get a handle on our spending. Prioritizing funds and stretching dollars will ensure our students are getting what they need to become successful, well-rounded and productive members of society.

What is your position on the standardized testing issue that has been in the news?

HARDY: No response.

REED: I personally don’t like standardized testing, however, I understand why it is necessary. I don’t agree with teaching children just to pass a test. To see what our students know and to make sure they are getting the best education possible, we need to test them. Everyone learns differently and I feel that our students should be tested in the manner that can best demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

How do you feel about the present board’s handling of the Reta Doland controversy?

HARDY: No response.

REED: Superintendent Doland was given an outstanding review by the board despite allegations that have been made against her. We are all human and we all make mistakes. What matters is if we learn from our mistakes and correct our behaviors to do better. With that being said, I believe that people should be held accountable for their actions in some way. The rules have to be for everyone or for no one. The board should have waited to agree to renew her contract until all investigations were complete. After reviewing the investigator’s report, then decide whether or not her contract should be renewed. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching and that should be a priority for those who speak on behalf of our children.

What changes, if any, would you like to see in the Oakridge school system?

HARDY: No response.

REED: There are several changes that need made in our schools. I would start by making sure the staff had what they needed to effectively teach our students. I would frequently visit the schools to listen to the concerns and needs of our teachers and other staff members. We have to have open communication and trust to give our students the education they deserve. It is important to recognize that many of our teachers are union members. I would make union relationships a priority. We need to take care of our teachers by allowing them proper union representation. I would also make sure that all policies, procedures and laws are being followed through education and awareness. Creating more extra-curricular activities and after school programs is also a priority. I have a few ideas currently in the works for this.