1. Why do school boards matter and why do you think you are a good school board candidate?
Kristopher Schendel
School boards matter because they advocate for the educators, students, and community. They are the direct link between community and policy at the education level. Their work has a direct impact on the future and growth of an individual and community.
Deanna Varner
Did Not Respond
Brad Wilson
Did Not Respond
2. How would you define, and what is your position on culturally responsive teaching? Are there changes you believe are needed in your school district?
Kristopher Schendel
Culturally responsive teaching involves recognizing cultural experiences and identities when teaching. I believe it is important because educators can more easily connect lessons with students, as their life experiences and backgrounds are very diverse. This, in turn, engages them, and engagement and connection lead to retention.
Deanna Varner
Did Not Respond
Brad Wilson
Did Not Respond
3. What experience do you have participating in or negotiating contracts and bargaining with labor unions?
Kristopher Schendel
I have served as a union executive board member for the last five years. During this time, I have negotiated contracts and attended multiple trainings on best negotiation and bargaining practices.
Deanna Varner
Did Not Respond
Brad Wilson
Did Not Respond
4. How would you involve parents, students, and community members — particularly from communities of color — in school policy considerations? Do you believe your school board has adequately engaged these stakeholders in the past?
Kristopher Schendel
I believe being a school board member is more than reading a packet and showing up every two weeks. If elected, I plan to go to one school a week to spend a day talking to educators, students, and staff, and having office hours for parent meetings. I believe the current board has not adequately engaged stakeholders, which is one of the many reasons trust has diminished for GAPS.
Deanna Varner
Did Not Respond
Brad Wilson
Did Not Respond
5. The Executive Branch of our federal government threatens to remove funding from schools that avow support for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In response, should school boards retract support for DEI, or attempt to maintain support? And why?
Kristopher Schendel
I believe school boards should attempt to maintain support for these programs. Studies show that they are beneficial to academic success in all students and also prepare them for a diverse society. A school board's first thought should be what will benefit students' growth, not bending to voices/acts trying to oppose such growth.
Deanna Varner
Did Not Respond
Brad Wilson
Did Not Respond
6. Oregon Senator Lew Frederick has said “Discriminatory book bans in schools — and the censorship that goes along with them — undermine Oregon values, and prevent students from learning about the history, experiences, and viewpoints of all communities.” Do you agree? Do you support passage of SB 1098 as proposed by Senator Frederick?
Kristopher Schendel
I agree and I support the passage of SB 1098.
Deanna Varner
Did Not Respond
Brad Wilson
Did Not Respond
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