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A look at a potential change to how Salem-Keizer elects board directors.
Wochit
Eleven candidates are running for the Salem-Keizer school board this spring.
Four of the board’s seven seats are in the race — Zone 1 in west Salem, currently represented by Kathy Goss; Zone 3 in south-central Salem, held by Sheronne Blasi; Zone 5 in east Salem, represented by Jesse Lippold Peone; and Zone 7 in north Salem, held by Paul Kyllo. Lippold Peone is the only incumbent running.
Election day is May 18; those elected will begin their positions on July 1.
School board member Marty Heyen of Zone 2 in northeast Salem, chairman Satya Chandragiri of Zone 4 in south Salem, and vice chairwoman Danielle Bethell of Zone 6 in Keizer were elected in 2019. Their terms will end in 2023.
Election guide: Marion and Polk County 2021 election guide to bonds, school boards, fire districts
Candidates must be registered to vote and live in the zones they wish to represent. However, electors across the Salem-Keizer Public Schools community vote on candidates from all zones.
The Statesman Journal runs candidate questionnaires every Salem-Keizer school board election, giving voters an opportunity to hear directly from each candidate, in their own words. Profiles are organized alphabetically by last name; answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Ashley Carson Cottingham poses for a portrait. Carson Cottingham is running to represent Zone 3 on the Salem-Keizer School Board in the May 18, 2021 election. (Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Carson Cottingham)
Ashley Carson Cottingham
Name: Ashley Carson Cottingham (She/Her)
Age: 42.
City of residence: Salem.
Number of current, consecutive years living full-time within the zone you seek to represent: Seven years.
Family: Husband, Carroll Cottingham. Two kids, ages 5 and 8. One is in Salem-Keizer schools now and both will be by next school year.
Education: University of Oregon, BA; Vermont Law School, JD.
Employment: Deputy director, Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance Division, Oregon Employment Department.
Previous employers and when: State of Oregon, Department of Human Services 2014-19 and Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman 2019-21; Compassion & Choices 2012-14; U.S. Senate 2010-12; Older Women’s League 2007-10; CASA of Deschutes County 2003 & 2006; Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office 2004; Willamette View, Inc. 2001-03; Farwest Steel Corp. 1998-2001.
Military service and when: N/A
Volunteer/civic/religious service and when: Marion-Polk Food Share, Volunteer, 2020-present; Cherriots’ Budget Committee, Appointee, 2021-present; Salem Housing Advisory Committee, Appointee, 2020-present; U.S. House of Representatives, Unpaid Intern, 2006; Safeline – Domestic Violence Hotline Volunteer, 2003-05; Suttle Lake United Methodist Church Camp; Counselor, 1995; KIDS Center, Childcare Volunteer, 1994-95.
Please list all public offices to which you’ve been elected, and when: N/A
Please list any unsuccessful candidacies for public office, and when: Marion County Commissioner, 2020
Other prior political and government or school district experience: Staff Director, U.S. Senate, Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Policy Staff, U.S. Senate, Special Committee on Aging.
How people can reach your campaign:
Q: To an outsider, how would you describe the region you wish to represent—geographically, economically, politically, and socially?
A: School board members represent all of Salem and Keizer. In my life as a parent, and in my work serving Oregon’s vulnerable seniors, I have come to know Salem-Keizer as a diverse community of working families. In Zone 3, we have neighbors from all backgrounds, ideologies and experiences, but we are all unified by caring about our kids’ education and wellbeing.
Q: Describe the positives and negatives of this region/zone that you wish to represent or address:
A: Our community is full of hard-working families and people who want to support one another. We are also made up of different cultures, different languages, and varied experiences, which always makes a community stronger. Wildfires, ice storms, hate and violence, and navigating the pandemic are the negatives we have recently endured. I am ready to bring my years of experience and my passion for helping kids to ensure our schools and families recover from a difficult year.
Q: What specific skills or experiences do you have that would make you effective in this office?
A: First, I am the mother of two young children. Additionally, my professional and volunteer experiences have prepared me for this position. I have managed large teams of people, multi-billion dollar public agency budgets, and negotiated major contracts on behalf of vulnerable Oregonians. I currently serve on Cherriots’ Budget Committee. Finally, I have worked on major policies, both in Oregon and in D.C., impacting women, children and seniors. This requires expertise and the ability to bring people together.
Q: What separates you from your opponent?
A: I can only speak about myself. I am a mother of two elementary-age boys. I’m a dedicated and compassionate public servant. I work each day to implement a program that gives Oregonians paid family and medical leave. I’ve led large programs dedicated to helping older adults and people with disabilities in need of care and life-sustaining support. I want to ensure no kid is hungry, homeless or experiencing abuse in our communities and schools.
Q: How much will your campaign cost, and how will you be funding your campaign? Are you working with any established organizations for your campaign?
A: I am raising funds by asking many friends, family and neighbors to contribute to my campaign. I need the resources to communicate with as many voters as possible about important issues impacting our schools. I am also proud to be supported by the coalition Community for Salem-Keizer Schools, which includes our local teachers, parent activists (Stand For Children), education professionals (Association of Salem Keizer Education Support Professionals, or ASK ESP) and many others.
Q: Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been disciplined by a professional licensing board/organization, or had an ethics violation filed against you?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, been delinquent on your taxes or other major accounts, or been sued personally or professionally?
A: No.
Q: What are the three most important issues you would address if elected, and how?
(1) I want to get school buildings open, five days per week, while always prioritizing health and safety. I know from experience how difficult it is for working families to have our school buildings closed. This will take listening to public health guidance and ensuring we dedicate resources to quickly implement changes on the ground level regarding COVID. I also want to ensure we protect our kids from bullying, violence and other issues impacting their health and safety. This requires increased mental and behavioral health support, as well as ongoing threat assessment.
(From the Statesman: Salem-Keizer recently announced plans to have all students back in schools full-time, five days a week, starting this fall.)
(2) I will work to ensure every child gets the individual focus they need to succeed. I think we accomplish this by first being financially smart, as well as supporting the retention of our great teachers. We must make sure they have what they need to do their jobs well, and that class sizes aren’t too large. I know from first-hand experience the impact a great teacher can have on someone’s life.
(3) I will focus on improving graduation rates for all students. I will bring my problem-solving experience to look at the disparities in graduation rates and determine how we can change outcomes across our district. I will support using a data-driven approach to understand who is falling behind and then drill down to find solutions to ensure we achieve equity across the district.
Q: How do you plan to lead regarding issues of racial injustice and prejudice, as well as COVID-19 response and protocols, as these are major issues facing schools?
A: I believe that the best leaders listen first. There are many communities in Salem-Keizer who feel they have not been heard by our district’s leadership. I will always listen, engage and work to fight injustice and be anti-racist. I acknowledge that being a leader doesn’t mean I always know what’s best for everyone without taking their input. Children don’t all come to school on a level playing field. This is a fact that the school district must acknowledge, and address so that all children have a fair chance at success.
On COVID-19, I will always follow the science. Our public health experts, doctors and healthcare professionals know the safest way to continue bringing students back into classrooms.
Q: If you are a person of color, bilingual or bicultural, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or other historically marginalized groups, how will you use these aspects of your identity to connect with marginalized communities? If you are not in one of these communities, how will you approach your role in leading one of the most racially and linguistically diverse school districts in Oregon?
A: I value the diversity we have in Salem and Keizer and would approach my role with humility, recognizing that my life experience is not the same as everyone else’s. On issues impacting historically marginalized groups, I will center those who have lived those experiences, and the concerns and solutions they put forward. I work to learn more every day, to be a good ally, and I will take action that is anti-racist.
Q: How would you deal with apathy or people in your zone not wishing to interact with the board? How will you address this during your campaign and time on the board, if elected?
A: I think this is a matter of public outreach, and building trust and relationships. While we should make our school board meetings feel welcoming to everyone in our community, we should also go beyond that by holding easily accessible public town halls and meeting with various communities throughout Salem-Keizer. If people know our district’s leadership cares about what they think and truly values their input, they will engage in increasing numbers.
Q: What role do you see yourself having in addressing opportunity and access gaps in local education? How do you see your work impacting things like absenteeism and graduation rates?
A: I have spent my career serving people who have access to fewer opportunities than some of our most fortunate, whether it is vulnerable seniors or hard-working women who aren’t being paid what they have earned. I want to bring that same experience to focusing our district’s resources on the students who are sometimes forgotten or left behind. There are best practices that our district can adopt to engage all students.
Q: The school board has had several incidents over the last year especially that have hurt the trust between the school board and community, as well as the relationships and trust between individual board members. How will you seek to rebuild that trust and move the school board forward?
A: To me, this is a matter of professionalism. In my career, I have worked with colleagues in stressful situations where we have had intense disagreements, but I have always maintained a civil and respectful demeanor. Through leading by example we can restore trust. This includes transparency in our decision-making and putting in the time to listen.
Q: Overall, what are things you think Salem-Keizer Public Schools, with Christy Perry at the helm, is doing well? What do you think they need to most improve on?
A: Our superintendent was recognized as the Oregon Superintendent of the Year, and I believe could accomplish even more with a board that is focused on equity, raising graduation rates and listening to the community. We have built an amazing team of educators and education professionals, who have worked so hard for our kids during this past year. We have a nationally recognized career technical education program and have improved our dual-language opportunities. We need to improve communication with our community and focus our resources so our teachers have the support they need to ensure all students get the education they deserve.
Q: Is there any other information that you should disclose before it comes up in the campaign (including health concerns)?
A: No.
Linda Farrington poses for a portrait. Farrington is running to represent Zone 3 on the Salem-Keizer School Board in the May 18, 2021 election. (Photo: Courtesy of G MILLER PHOTOS)
Linda Farrington
Name: Linda Farrington (She/Her)
Age: 60.
City of residence: Salem.
Number of current, consecutive years living full-time within the zone you seek to represent: 20 years.
Family: Dan Farrington, spouse. Blended family, four daughters and two sons, all attended Salem-Keizer schools and graduated from South Salem High.
Education: BSN Nursing from OHSU.
If employed, current occupation, employer, and job duties: Memory care provider for my mother (2017-present); Nurse consultant to Sunrise Medical Consultants, Inc. (2017-present).
Previous employers and when: SAIF, nurse consultant (2014-17); Salem Health, Staff RN, Post-Anesthesia Recovery Unit (2010-13); Staff RN, Northbank Outpatient Surgery, Orthopedic Outpatient Surgery (1987-92); Staff RN, Med-Surgical Floor & Float, Albany General Hospital (1985-86).
Military service and when: N/A.
Volunteer/civic/religious service and when: 2021, Lay counselor for parents at Salem Heights Church; 2009, Salem-Keizer schools Budget Oversight Committee; 2007-09, volunteer coordinator, community-built concession stand and bathroom completion at the football and baseball fields South Salem High School; 2003-05 Salem-Keizer schools Budget Advisory Team; 2007, Chair, South Salem High School Graduation Party; 2000-03, volunteer for Victims Assistance, Marion County DA’s Office; 1995, Peacemakers Mediation Ministry at Salem Alliance Church.
Please list all public offices to which you’ve been elected, and when: None
Please list any unsuccessful candidacies for public office, and when: None
Other prior political and government or school district experience: 2000-10, Citizen’s Review Board Member (CRB); Appointed by the Oregon State Attorney General to review child dependency cases in Marion County.
How people can reach your campaign:
Q: To an outsider, how would you describe the region you wish to represent—geographically, economically, politically, and socially?
A: South Salem is one of the prettiest places in the world, with a long growing season and a quick commute to the Cascade Mountains or the Pacific ocean. The people in Salem are friendly and open and care about health and the environment. We care about each other and are willing to help others less fortunate, like when our neighbors were devastated by fire, ice and the economic stress of COVID.
Q: Describe the positives and negatives of this region/zone that you wish to represent or address:
A: One of the best parts of living in South Salem is the diversity of its people. South High also includes diversity along the educational spectrum and, until recently, was the only high school to offer the (International Baccalaureate) IB program.
I’m proud that my kids grew up in a melting pot of people and ideas because that’s how I grew up overseas. It expands your worldview and helps you be more open to other ways of doing things.
Q: What specific skills or experiences do you have that would make you effective in this office?
A: I’ve lived, worked and raised a family in this community. I’ve volunteered hands-on in our schools, as well as served on the school district’s budget and bond committees. I volunteered with the Marion County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance program helping crime victims. I was also appointed by the Oregon Attorney General to review child dependency cases in Marion County on the Citizen’s Review Board. My experience as a nurse gives me a useful perspective during the pandemic.
Q: What separates you from your opponent?
A: I care what happens in this community because this is where I have lived for 30 years. I am not a politician and I’m not looking to climb the ladder of success. I just want to help kids and help our community.
I raised six children in this neighborhood and have been involved in all aspects of community life. I’ve volunteered in the school classrooms and helped with math, music and sports fundraisers.
Q: How much will your campaign cost, and how will you be funding your campaign? Are you working with any established organizations for your campaign?
A: I’ll take the support of any in our community! It’s hard to know what this will end up costing, but my goal is to keep it limited. I’m proud to be endorsed by many community leaders, including all three Marion County Commissioners, Retired Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore, school board member (chairman) Satya Chandragiri, Salem City Councilor Jose Gonzalez, AnneMarie Dufault, and many others including current and former school district staff, such as Kim Marshall and Sophie Bechtel.
Q: Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been disciplined by a professional licensing board/organization, or had an ethics violation filed against you?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, been delinquent on your taxes or other major accounts, or been sued personally or professionally?
A: No.
Q: What are the three most important issues you would address if elected, and how?
(1) Opportunity for every child: We need to open schools for a full five days of in-person instruction. Beyond the educational benefits, one often overlooked reason is the wraparound services that schools provide to students. We must continue to provide alternatives such as online teaching for those who want it. In addition, there is a lot of catching up to do academically so we need to focus on the basics.
(From the Statesman: Salem-Keizer recently announced plans to have all students back in schools full-time, five days a week, starting this fall.)
(2) Success in the classroom: My blended family spanned the educational spectrum, so I know that every child needs different supports to succeed. Teachers and parents need flexible choices to meet the diverse needs of our student population. Research shows that multilayered approaches work best — we need as many different types of support as possible. We need safe classrooms for teachers to teach and kids to excel, which is why we must restore the school resource officers removed by the district.
(3) Transparency will take politics out of education: Data should be transparent and easy to find. Decisions should be based on data that take the politics and emotions out and bring real solutions in. We need to make sure we are asking the questions that will help us understand the root problem so that we can fix it. I am determined to fix the problem, not just talk about it. I believe in getting everyone to the table, especially parents.
Q: How do you plan to lead regarding issues of racial injustice and prejudice, as well as COVID-19 response and protocols, as these are major issues facing schools?
A: Most problems are caused by poor communication and misunderstanding. Everyone needs to feel heard and have a seat at the table. Face to face is the best way to resolve misunderstandings. Kids have to be taught to consider another person’s point of view and to take care of each other. Helping all children learn to resolve disputes and solve problems this way will create a tomorrow that you and I will look forward to!
Q: If you are a person of color, bilingual or bicultural, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or other historically marginalized groups, how will you use these aspects of your identity to connect with marginalized communities? If you are not in one of these communities, how will you approach your role in leading one of the most racially and linguistically diverse school districts in Oregon?
A: First-hand experience has taught me that our community benefits from expanding ethnic diversity. I was the odd person out most of my life because I grew up overseas in north Thailand. The tribal group we lived with had never seen white people. I believe that the best way to lead is to engage. Everyone has the same core needs that must be heard and valued. People, especially kids, can sense insincerity and know if you are just going through the motions.
Q: How would you deal with apathy or people in your zone not wishing to interact with the board? How will you address this during your campaign and time on the board, if elected?
A: Most people have a lot more going on than you can see on the surface. Don’t assume. Connect! If some people don’t want to engage, I would work hard to find out why. People don’t act in a vacuum. There is always a reason for lack of engagement if you are persistent enough to find out.
Q: What role do you see yourself having in addressing opportunity and access gaps in local education? How do you see your work impacting things like absenteeism and graduation rates?
A: I think it is our responsibility to make sure that every child has every educational advantage possible. Our district has enormous socioeconomic needs. Substance abuse and mental illness rates are very high with little access to care. Relationships change a child’s trajectory. Finding ways to connect kids is key, but teachers can’t do it all. The whole community needs to take up the mantle to take care of each other. Kids rise to the level that is expected of them.
Q: The school board has had several incidents over the last year especially that have hurt the trust between the school board and community, as well as the relationships and trust between individual board members. How will you seek to rebuild that trust and move the school board forward?
A: Restoring transparency will help to remove politics from the school board. We must treat each other with respect and openness.
Q: Overall, what are things you think Salem-Keizer Public Schools, with Christy Perry at the helm, is doing well? What do you think they need to most improve on?
A: I can see that the district has tried to put reforms in place with real accountability measures. However, the fact that our students are still not back to full-time instruction in our schools means we are not going to meet our goals.
I am also concerned with the decision to remove school resource officers from our schools. SRO’s are specially trained and data clearly showed that they actually prevented kids from going down the school to prison pipeline.
(From the Statesman: When asked for data on this statement, Farrington provided, among other materials, a copy of a 2020 report on school resource officers from the Keizer Police Department. From the report: “SRO’s are often able to seek out alternative means of changing behavior and thus prevent arrest.”)
Q: Is there any other information that you should disclose before it comes up in the campaign (including health concerns)?
A: I have had back surgeries, but it wouldn’t keep me from working.
Election resources:
Learn more about being a school board member and what these governing groups do at getonboardoregon.org.
Salem-Keizer coverage:
Learn more about the Salem-Keizer school board and upcoming meetings at salkeiz.k12.or.us/schoolboard.
Natalie Pate is the education reporter for the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at [email protected], 503-399-6745, Twitter @NataliePateGwin, or Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nataliepatejournalist.
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