EDITOR’S NOTE: Generally, these “off-year” special elections don’t attract much attention, but that hasn’t been the case here in Tillamook County. There have been ethics violation charges submitted to the Secretary of State’s office in both the Nestucca and Tillamook School District races. There have been a rash of issues over opponents political signs being taken, not properly placed and the hate speech and bullying on social media has been off the charts. So, I’m going to be very glad to have this election come to a conclusion. The Pioneer has received several anonymous submissions, in particular, about inaccurate information about candidates. It was brought to our attention that the candidates were asked about their criminal histories at this forum and not all the candidates were truthful about their records. Truth, honesty, integrity and transparency — definitely the qualities you would want in a candidate. I’ve been reporting on elections for decades, and one thing I’ve learned, if a campaign is just spewing information (often FALSE, inaccurate lies) about their opponent – they must not possess the qualities listed. Look for the candidates that are talking about what they are going to do for our kids – not bashing the others. Those are the people you want on your school boards. Tell me what you are going to do, don’t tell me about how “awful” your opponent is. The truth will set you free. NOW – if you haven’t voted – VOTE!! Ballots are due by 8pm tomorrow, Tuesday May 20th. Drop into a ballot box throughout the county.
By Romy Carver for the Tillamook County Pioneer; Photos by Don Backman
About sixty people gathered at the CTE Building on the Nestucca High School campus on the evening of May 10th for one final candidates forum featuring the Nestucca School Board candidates. Present were Irene Barajas, Sherry Hartford, and Troy Trute (Position 1), Kayla Cole and Seth Belsey (Position 2), Greg Woods (Position 4), and Jason Hagan (Position 5).
The audience was largely comprised of local residents from the Nestucca School District, along with a contingent from the Lincoln County based group, the Hilltop Patriots.
The moderator was Doug Olson, a longtime South County resident and public leader. He opened the event by explaining the successful programs housed in the CTE building, and showcased a metalwork art installment featuring veterans.
He outlined the three functions of school board members: hiring and managing the Superintendent, which he stated was the most important, setting policy, and managing the budget.
Each candidate gave a brief introduction and summary of their qualifications and why they are running. The rest of the forum, which went for almost two and a half hours, was reserved for questions.
A major theme was student safety. People asked about the district’s response to prior incidents and about volunteer requirements for parents. The crowd was assured that all district staff had passed background checks. The crowd was also assured that, contrary to popular belief, the district had immediately involved law enforcement in past incidents, and law enforcement had advised the district not to inform parents of sexual assault allegations involving a staff member. This was for the privacy and safety of the minor victim and their family. Unfortunately, a community member publicly released a copy of the report with the child’s name, in spite of the district’s best efforts to protect them. Barajas stated that as a current board member, there were restrictions on what she could discuss publicly, but that the district followed all local and state policies and procedures.
It was explained that as long as parents aren’t disrupting the classroom, they are welcome to come in and help with their own child without a background check. However, if they are volunteering with other people’s children, they must pass a background check.
A retired NVSD teacher stated that the only children who had expressed feeling unsafe in his ten year career were the Spanish speakers and non-white children. Some of them are terrified about their parents being deported, and coming home to an empty house. He also mentioned seeing children wearing clothing to school with racist slogans. He said that 34% of the students in the district are Hispanic and asked how they would be protected.
All the candidates expressed the importance of a safe school setting and trusted adults. Hartford mentioned that the district is cutting three ELL positions, which would reduce safety. Barajas stated that while the ELL was removed in one part of the budget, it will be covered by different funds. She explained that the district is following Oregon’s law of not assisting ICE and that buildings are locked down “for a reason.” The district has a new counselor and home health worker to support students.
Another concern was low tests scores and absenteeism. Trute and Barajas both noted that these are part of a national trend, largely due to disruption caused by COVID. All candidates agreed that teachers must have needed resources to help students succeed. Hartford stated that curriculum needs to be easy to understand so parents can help their students. Barajas noted that the district recently adopted a successful new math curriculum, and has reorganized its top three priorities: reading, math, and science. The top ten priorities are all academic and arts.
There was a tense moment when the audience called out a participant for a personal attack against one of the candidates. Other than that, the forum was civil, and the candidates appeared to agree on many things.
The deadline to turn in ballots for the May, 2025 special election is tomorrow, May 20. Ballots can be returned postage paid by mail or dropped off at ballot drop boxes across the county by 8 pm.
