Hillsboro School Board Candidates Go Deep To Answer Questions

The Hillsboro Herald staff are tracking this Hillsboro School Board race which is heating up.  Some news outlets are getting some good coverage, but the surface is about as deep as we have seen regarding responses to questions.

GET EDUCATED ON THE ISSUES AND THE CANDIDATES – There Is a Lot To Know And On The Line

The Herald contacted the candidates for the school board race and asked questions designed to go deeper to allow all of you, our readers, to decide who might be best to vote for.

Here are the answers we received, more to follow if additional candidates respond:

1)  The Hillsboro School District (HSD) often uses the motto: Proud To Be HSD; what 
programs make you most proud of our School District?

See Eun Kim – Position 4 – Current Board Member   

Of the many things that make me Proud to be HSD, I am especially proud of our Spanish-English Dual Language program, which gives students the opportunity to learn a second language by exposing students to the same curriculum as their peers but in Spanish. By providing students an immersive educational experience, we are preparing them for a successful future in the multicultural world in which we live.

I am also proud of the growth in our Career and College Pathways program, including the development of the Oregon Aerospace Careers for Everyone (O-ACE) classroom at the Hillsboro Airport and the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship that trains high school students for careers in the tech and manufacturing sectors. By exposing students to a wide range of subjects and opportunities, we are preparing them to be career- and college-ready when they leave HSD.

The opponent for Position 4, Terri Kam, did not respond to the questions despite our best efforts to contact her

Ivette Pantoja Avalos Position 5 – Candidate

As an HSD graduate myself, I  am proud to be HSD. I am proud of how far HSD has come with their Career &  College Pathways program and their progress of Dual Language programs.

The opponent for Position 5, Shawnna Arns, did not respond to the questions despite our efforts to contact her.

Patrick Maguire Position 7 – Current Board Member

As a member of our district’s curriculum advisory committee for several years before I joined the board, it was incredibly exciting to see so many innovative career programs developed over the years in Hillsboro. Our advanced-manufacturing programs have won national recognition as models for what industry partnerships with schools can accomplish. Our new aviation science and fire science programs have allowed students to learn early on what careers appeal to them. Our staff works very diligently to find new career programs that will be meaningful for students. I often speak with students in these programs to get their input and feedback, which is overwhelmingly positive. These programs are working for students. For many of our students, traditional four-year university pathways are where their goals will take them, and we will never reduce our full-throated support for college preparation. At the same time, recognizing that apprenticeship and community college technical programs also appeal to a number of our students, getting these career pathway partnerships established have benefited students greatly by allowing them to try paths out and see what is and is not suited to each of their unique talents.

Bart Rask:  Position 7 – Candidate

HSD can be proud of the Career-Technical Education Program, which helps students gain experience and interest

in a variety of technical fields in the community. The teaching staff is also a source of pride. I’ve had six children go through the schools (three are still in), and their teachers have always been very caring and attentive.

2) Family and parents are an important part of the educational community.  What role do you see parents playing in the adoption of the curriculum for the Hillsboro School District?

See Eun Kim – Position 4 – Current Board Member

Family and parents are an integral part of a child’s educational journey. There needs to be a partnership between educators and parents so that learning can extend beyond the classroom. When it comes to curriculum adoption, the board is ultimately the authority in approving curriculum. There are ways for parents and other community members to be a part of the process by serving on the Community Curriculum Advisory Committee (CCAC). The CCAC serves as a resource to the Board and Superintendent in setting the direction for long-range curriculum development and assisting in the development of the schools’ curriculum and instructional programs. CCAC members are responsible for reviewing curriculum, instructional programs, proposed new courses, and study team recommendations; and reporting findings and recommendations to the board. This is a great way for parents and other community members to be involved in the curriculum adoption process.

The opponent for Position 4, Terri Kam, did not respond to the questions despite our best efforts to contact her.

Ivette Pantoja Avalos Position 5 – Candidate

Parents’ input and constructive critiques should always be listened to and taken  into consideration. HSD has the Community Curriculum Advisory Committee that  parents can get involved with.

The opponent for Position 5, Shawnna Arns, did not respond to the questions despite our efforts to contact her.

Patrick Maguire Position 7 – Current Board Member

Parents have the most significant role in the success of their children’s education. I was raised in a single-parent home on the Oregon Coast. It was a home with much love but not a lot financially. I owe everything I have accomplished in life to the sacrifices and dedication of my mother. I know the public education system was invaluable to me growing up, and I want our schools to continue to be an invaluable resource that every family in our district can rely on.

As a board member, I want a student-focused curriculum that supports our families. That’s why curriculum proposals from expert educators are thoughtfully vetted by a community committee that brings forward recommendations to the school board. We are one of only a few districts in the state that takes this extra step to encourage community feedback on curriculum proposals, and it has been extremely valuable.

Bart Rask Position 7 – Candidate

Parents should have a role in adopting curricula outside of the basics core classes where there is a potential for widespread parent objection.

3)  Some groups are advocating for a curriculum that allows students to “opt in” instead of “opt-out”.  How would the district manage, for instance, math or language arts instruction if not enough students/families “opt-in?”

See Eun Kim – Position 4 – Current Board Member

If not enough students/families “opt-in”, we would likely have to cancel the course due to staffing and funding considerations. It would be difficult to maintain a predictable course offering schedule if such courses were on an “opt in” basis. Additionally, depending on state policy and the course in question, we may not even have the option of allowing an “opt in” approach in order to meet state requirements.

The opponent for Position 4, Terri Kam, did not respond to the questions despite our best efforts to contact her.

Ivette Pantoja Avalos Position 5 – Candidate

I believe there are certain  instances where “opt in or out” shouldn’t be an option. And I think that goes for  Math and Language arts as they are essential to students.

The opponent for Position 5, Shawnna Arns, did not respond to the questions despite our efforts to contact her.

Patrick Maguire Position 7 – Current Board Member

The Oregon Department of Education largely sets standards in math and language arts. As a district working within those standards, we attempt to provide options that work for every student in these core areas. For instance, our district recently approved a new Data Science math course to meet the needs of students interested in working in the tech industry and learning more about what sorts of math are required in that field. The Board approves all proposed courses, but year-to-year curriculum decisions for each school are made by the building principal after reviewing student forecasting. In the rare case that a high school student wants to take a course that is not offered at a particular campus, we have worked to implement options for bussing to other campuses that do offer the program

Bart Rask Position 7 – Candidate

The only classes being suggested for “opt in” are sex education. This would be managed by having the courses online and parents/guardians would have to sign before the child gains access.

4)  How can the Hillsboro School District help ensure that all students’ demographic groups are represented in honors/AP/IB programs?

See Eun Kim – Position 4 – Current Board Member

We need to identify the barriers of why certain demographic groups are underrepresented and consider changing the enrollment policy. For example, not requiring teacher recommendations which is often seen as a criterion that can limit access for underrepresented groups. It is also important that we focus on creating a positive school climate for our students of color where they have positive relationships, where they feel like they’re being held to high expectations, and where they feel a sense of belonging in these advanced courses.

The opponent for Position 4, Terri Kam, did not respond to the questions despite our best efforts to contact her.

Ivette Pantoja Avalos Position 5 – Candidate

The first and most important step  is that all programs need to be accessible for all students. And educating  students and parents about these programs.

The opponent for Position 5, Shawnna Arns, did not respond to the questions despite our efforts to contact her.

Patrick Maguire Position 7 – Current Board Member

One program that our district leadership has piloted in recent years involves more embedded honors offerings rather than separated ones. For instance, instead of separating freshmen into language arts honors or non-honors courses based on their middle school experiences, allowing every single ninth-grade class to have honors options (e.g., extra reading, essays, and feedback) for students who need a more advanced curriculum has seen good results in challenging all students and avoiding separating them too early. This allows students from all demographic groups to thrive.

Bart Rask Position 7 – Candidate

If a teacher recognizes that a student is lagging behind academically, he should be given extra attention by tutoring or other after-school programs.

5) Taxpayers in Washington County are net exporters of education dollars.  With funding levels set by the State of Oregon, what do you see a school board member’s role being in advocating for stable and adequate funding?

See Eun Kim – Position 4 – Current Board Member

Board members play an important role in advocating for stable and adequate funding. Particularly in Hillsboro where we don’t employ a lobbyist, it’s been crucial to have board members raise awareness and educate our state legislators on the disparities between our current service level budget and the budget amount calculated by the state.

The opponent for Position 4, Terri Kam, did not respond to the questions despite our best efforts to contact her.

Ivette Pantoja Avalos Position 5 – Candidate

It is crucial for board  members to build strong relationships with our elected leaders, keeping in  communication with their offices about budget priorities and current needs.

The opponent for Position 5, Shawnna Arns, did not respond to the questions despite our efforts to contact her.

Patrick Maguire Position 7 – Current Board Member

As a member of our county’s Board of Property Tax Appeals for several years, I have consistently advocated for the wise use of taxpayer funds. Every dollar that is wasted in any way is a dollar that could have been spent on hiring additional teachers or providing new facilities. Federal temporary ESSER funds helped us respond to some of our students’ most acute needs coming out of the pandemic. With those phasing out, we do have hard choices ahead of us. I advocate for full Quality Education Model funding, but if the state legislature does not provide that, we must focus on what has the biggest impact on students. I am proud to have the endorsement of State Senator Janeen Sollman and State Representatives Hai Pham and Nathan Sosa because they see me down in Salem advocating consistently for education funding.

Bart Rask Position 7 – Candidate

The 2019 Student Success Act which established a gross receipts tax on businesses with at least $1 million dollars in sales was meant to improve school funding. The new tax looks like it has succeeded since inflation-adjusted spending in Hillsboro increased by 33% over the last 6 years, from $15,299 per student in 2015-16 to $20,298 per student in 2021-22.

6)  Book banning or censoring by school boards around the United States is a growing movement.  Would you personally ever vote to or bring an action as a School Board member to ban books?  If so, support the reasons why?  If not, why wouldn’t you?

See Eun Kim – Position 4 – Current Board Member

No, as a board member, I would not support book-banning or censoring efforts. Such book-banning efforts are contrary to our communities’ values. Hillsboro school district will continue to value all books and curriculums in line with our district policies and procedures. Our students deserve to be seen and valued in the curriculum and books in our schools. We aim to offer a culturally responsive curriculum and inclusive books that are authentically representative of our students and the world, linguistically diverse, and explore various perspectives, including counter-narratives for marginalized voices.

The opponent for Position 4, Terri Kam, did not respond to the questions despite our best efforts to contact her.

Ivette Pantoja Avalos Position 5 – Candidate

I do not support book banning and censorship by School Boards. Students need  representation in their classrooms and to uplift diverse and marginalized voices.  It is harmful to ban authors and subjects based on a character or subject theme.  Curriculum is already designed to be “age appropriate”.

The opponent for Position 5, Shawnna Arns, did not respond to the questions despite our efforts to contact her.

Patrick Maguire Position 7 – Current Board Member

Efforts to censor and ban books are concerning as they can negatively impact the core educational mission of setting up students with skills that allow them to lead fulfilling lives. For instance, I have read in national news reports of attempts to ban all books from school libraries with LGBT characters. But this is just as unreasonable as banning all books with characters of certain races. It sends a message to our students that if they or their families are LGBT, they don’t deserve to be represented in books and stories. That sort of thing is not what Hillsboro School District stands for – here, every student and family is welcome.

Bart Rask Position 7 – Candidate

Schools banning books has been a regular practice as usually older titles are removed (banned) in exchange for newer titles because of limited class time and shelf space. In the recent past, classic authors such as Shakespeare and Orwell have been banned from curricula in exchange for contemporary authors. A taxpayer-funded school entrusted with educating children cannot be a free-for-all. We adults are entrusted with giving children boundaries about what they eat, where they play, what they read and more. Many parents do not want their minor children exposed to sexually explicit books, which are the subject of banning, especially since children are a captive audience in public schools. For those parents who want their children unfettered access to all types of reading, there is the public library, Amazon, etc.

7)  The Newberg School Board banned the staff from wearing politically oriented shirts and clothing and from displaying signs in their workspaces of the same nature.  That led to litigation and controversy and created turmoil in the Newberg Schools.  Would you support such a movement or board action as a Hillsboro School Board Member?

See Eun Kim – Position 4 – Current Board Member

No, I would not support such a movement as a board member. Aside from it being unconstitutional, such a ban would send a message to our staff and students that our district is not a welcome, inclusive, and safe space. As a board member, I will continue to advocate for creating safe spaces in our schools and offering support to staff and students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and staff and students of color.

The opponent for Position 4, Terri Kam, did not respond to the questions despite our best efforts to contact her.

Ivette Pantoja Avalos Position 5 – Candidate

 I  do not support Newberg School Board’s decision to ban political symbols like  pride flags. As they discovered the hard way it violates the first amendment.

The opponent for Position 5, Shawnna Arns, did not respond to the questions despite our efforts to contact her.

Patrick Maguire Position 7 – Current Board Member

I have read news reports indicating that in the nearby district of Newberg, when an ideologically-driven board majority recently voted to ban students and staff from wearing or displaying symbols such as a Pride flag or logo, they were immediately embroiled in costly First Amendment litigation. In the end, the policy was reversed, so there was no actual change. However, all that money spent on lawsuits and legal fees could have gone into direct classroom instruction. This shows there is a huge financial cost to ideologically driven decision-making. I support student-centered decision-making that does not waste resources on ideological campaigns.

Speaking candidly, it is apparent from the large out-of-state donations in this election that there is an effort to install a sharply ideological conservative board majority. Our students would not be well-served by such a focus on ideology, which wastes resources and distracts from the things we are working on to make a practical difference for students, such as early literacy coaching, expanding AP/IB and dual language programs, and career and technical education development.

Bart Rask Position 7 – Candidate

It is expected in the workforce that while an employee is “on the clock,” his time, speech, and labor have been sold to the employer and are, therefore, not his own. For example, an employee would not be allowed to insult customers or wear a shirt with a competitor’s name while serving in a restaurant. While school staff are on school property, their time, speech, and labor belong to the district since they sold them in exchange for a salary and benefits.

8)  What makes you a great choice for Hillsboro School Board; what are key skill sets and attributes that the children and parents of Hillsboro will see in you as a Board member if you win? The ultimate question- why you?

See Eun Kim – Position 4 – Current Board Member

I am deeply committed to the well-being of children and the role education has in their lives. My perspective as a former educator and child advocate for CASA are unique perspectives I bring to the board. As a 3rd grade teacher, I lived in the tension of overcrowded classrooms and under-resourced schools. As a child advocate, I witnessed the wide array of social issues that impact a child’s ability to learn. With the multifaceted role that educators have today, my ground-level perspective can bridge the gap between the district level policy decisions and the impact they have in the classroom.

Additionally, I bring my lived experience as an immigrant and bilingual student navigating our educational system. I understand what our multicultural families need, especially those who are experiencing disparities in educational outcomes. As a board member, I will continue to work to ensure that every student is given access to quality education and equitable opportunities for a successful future.

The opponent for Position 4, Terri Kam, did not respond to the questions despite our best efforts to contact her.

Ivette Pantoja Avalos Position 5 – Candidate

I am a great choice for the Hillsboro School Board because of my commitment to  our community. I am a small business owner in the field of Early Childhood  Education. Everyday I work alongside parents and teachers in order to provide a  safe and positive learning experience for students.

The opponent for Position 5, Shawnna Arns, did not respond to the questions despite our efforts to contact her.

Patrick Maguire Position 7 – Current Board Member

What we do right now will impact the entire lives of children in our district. An avalanche of recent research proves that investment in K-3 literacy makes a huge impact on the long-term success of our students. I will focus maximum resources on training teachers and literacy coaches to ensure every child achieves this milestone. I am also focused on providing an opportunity for every student to be engaged with a career path that works for them. I am working on expanding our innovative career and technical programs, including our nationally-recognized advanced manufacturing program.

Our Hillsboro is a special and wonderful place. We see it in teachers who go above and beyond. We see it in bus drivers who smile at a kid having a tough day. We see it in school librarians who share their love of reading. I’m offering to continue volunteering as a board member because I love this special place and the people who call it home.

Bart Rask Position 7 – Candidate

My skill set includes the ability to listen, look at data objectively, anticipate behaviors in response to actions, and the willingness to change my opinion after given more information. For over 25 years I’ve been a medical reviewer with training in judging whether a conclusion is supported by the data, teaching me a healthy skepticism about what I’m told can or cannot be done. I’ve learned that restrictions imposed by administration onto the board are often arbitrary. For example, after state mask mandates were lifted, during the 6/14/21 board meeting, Superintendent Scott told the board that the administration should decide on whether masks should be worn in schools. Large policy decisions such as these should be for our elected board members since the public health officials at the time gave us the option.

9)  Following other National trends of what has become a Culture War in Florida and elsewhere over gender and sexual orientation, will you, as a Hillsboro School Board Member, help to ensure that Hillsboro Schools are safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ students?  What is your stand on some of these recent articles we see, such as the “Don’t Say Gay” law recently passed in Florida?  Do you support or reject those sorts of laws?

See Eun Kim – Position 4 – Current Board Member

Yes, as a board member, I will do everything I can to ensure that our district remains a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ students. It is vital that we continue to foster a culture of inclusivity and celebration for our diverse community. I would reject those sorts of laws.

The opponent for Position 4, Terri Kam, did not respond to the questions despite our best efforts to contact her.

Ivette Pantoja Avalos Position 5 – Candidate

I absolutely do not support any harmful pieces of legislation that prevent LGBTQ  students from affirming their gender or sexual orientation. A recent 2022 LGBTQ Youth Mental Health Study by the Trevor Project shows that LGBTQ students who  attended LGBTQ-affirming schools reported lower rates of attempting suicide.  Students need to feel supported and I want all HSD students to know that their  school is a safe space for them.

The opponent for the Position 5 seat, Shawnna Arns, did not respond to the questions despite our efforts to contact her.

Patrick Maguire Position 7 – Current Board Member

We must stand for including every student. I was encouraged to volunteer on the board in part because of my advocacy for the voices of our LGBTQ+ students and families who were asking for more support. The Trevor Project has shared studies providing proof of what we intuitively know: that the mental well-being of youth is gravely affected by bullying and that providing a supportive environment can literally save lives. Having that sort of impact is why I spend so much time volunteering in this board role.

Bart Rask Position 7 –

Minor children need not be exposed to multiple sexual behaviors ad nauseum–as they are now–to learn the general concept of treating everyone with kindness and respect. These laws should not be necessary if we adults would make wise decisions.

POSITION 7 – 3rd Candidate Robin Danielson Smith has not responded to any of our questions, so we could not include those responses in the story.

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