Tigard-Tualatin School Board Candidate Endorsements Announced
April 20th, 2021 – For Immediate Release
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Contact Information: Debi Mollahan |
Ethan Frelly |
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CEO |
Board Chair |
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503-639-1656 |
(503) 502-3330 |
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Ethan@beltranproperties.com |
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(Tigard, Oregon) – The Candidate Endorsement Committee (CEC) of the Tigard Chamber of Commerce, has determined its list of endorsements for the upcoming Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) School Board race coming up in the May 18th, 2021 election. The Committee consisting of local business owners, community leaders, and members of the Chamber Board of Directors came together to go through a non-partisan process to consider candidates for endorsement who align with the Chambers’ core values/mission, legislative agenda and who support workforce development/education that strengthens the business community and our employment base.
“This is an unprecedented time for those running for public office” said Debi Mollahan, CEO of the Tigard Chamber. “These decisions, while never easy, need to be made in order to move forward in the best direction for Tigard-Tualatin School District and our business community. We looked for candidates who understood the role of the school board in terms of both the staff and student community as well as the intersection with the business community as educators of our future employees”.
The Candidate Endorsement Committee for the Tigard Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce their unanimous endorsement of the following candidates for the 2021 General Election being held May 18th, 2021.
TTSD School Board Seat 3
Octavio Gonzalez has been engaged with TTSD for at various levels including school committees and most recently as a member of the TTSD Budget Committee. He has a passion for making sure the student voice/the customer informs what programs are needed within TTSD and that they are inclusive and meet the needs of all students.
With his background in both banking and HOA Account Management, Octavio has first hand experience with how work experience and the trades can provide high quality employment for students who would not benefit from or select a 4 year college path. The business community needs a wide variety of skills in their workforce and the trades is a growing, lucrative field. Not all students are college bound and need education and experiences to help them chart a meaningful path towards a career.
Octavio has a passion for ensuring programs within TTSD meet all students needs as well as creative ideas for how business and the district can collaborate to enhance student skills to increase employability including plugging into the work already being done between the district and Tigard and Tualatin Chambers under the #WorkReady umbrella. We find Octavio not only to be a great fit to meet the districts’ goals, but also to amplify the role and benefit of business within the district.
TTSD School Board Seat 5
Marvin Lynn has been an educator for over 30 years, starting as an elementary school and then middle school teacher, moving into post-secondary education roles as both a professor and an administrator. Because of this experience he has a deep understanding of curriculum, teaching, and educational policy and has successfully managed budgets. In addition he has served in a variety of other board and leadership positions. His experience in both equity and diversity are also extensive. All of these are important skills for the key responsibilities of a TTSD board member and to meet district goals.
Marvin believes that all students regardless of background, skill set or interests need to have their educational needs met through the school district whether college bound or moving in a direction of career ready when exiting the district. He sees that business can play a role in the opportunity for advanced learning and experience for students through business internships, career days/fairs and exposure to more technical training and career experiences. We find Marvin extremely well qualified for this board seat.
“We greatly appreciate all of the candidates that took the time to go through our confidential in-depth questionnaire and took time out of their busy schedules for our in-person interviews” said Ethan Frelly, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. The Committee and Chamber agree that voters need to do their due diligence and cast their votes in May.
About the Tigard Chamber of Commerce
Mission – Building & Connecting Businesses, Growing Leaders and Shaping Our Community
Vision – Business + Community = Prosperity, Vibrancy & Diversity