At a time when classrooms have become the frontlines of cultural and political battles, local school board races have never been more important. From book bans to attacks on LGBTQ+ students to the erasure of racial equity programs, we are seeing efforts across the country—and right here in Oregon—to roll back progress and silence the voices of our most vulnerable youth.
But our communities are not staying silent.
This year, APANO Action Fund is proud to endorse school board candidates in ten districts across the state who are championing inclusive, affirming, and community-rooted public education. These candidates share our commitment to making sure that all students—especially BIPOC youth—have the opportunity to thrive in schools that truly see and support them.
We know what's at stake. Students in our communities speak over 130 languages at home, yet language access remains underfunded and overlooked. Families with limited English proficiency—more than 40% of Chinese, Bangladeshi, Vietnamese, and Burmese adults—face enormous barriers just trying to navigate the education system. And while our youth are asking for honest, accurate education that reflects their identities, politicians are moving to restrict how race, gender, and history can even be discussed in schools.
APANO Action Fund endorsed candidates are fighting for something different.
They believe in the power of schools to build community, celebrate culture, and provide safety and opportunity for all kids. They’re ready to defend DEI programs and ethnic studies curricula. They will fight for LGBTQ+ students and ensure every child has access to comprehensive, age-appropriate information about their rights, their health, and their futures. They’ll push for investments in dual-language programs, inclusive hiring, and policies that lift up—not push out—our most impacted students.
We didn’t choose these candidates lightly. Each one went through a thorough process—completing a values-based questionnaire, sitting down with our community members, and sharing how they would lead with equity and accountability. Many of them are parents, educators, and organizers. Some are immigrants or the first in their families to run for public office. All of them are deeply rooted in their communities and ready to fight for our youth.
When people think about school board elections, they often think small. But the truth is, these local races shape everything: what our kids learn, what resources our schools have, and how safe students feel showing up as their full selves. They determine which histories get told and which ones are erased. In a moment like this—when so much is on the line—there’s nothing small about showing up.
So this election, we’re proud to endorse leaders who are grounded in justice, backed by community, and ready to take bold action for our schools.
Ballots are arriving soon. Let’s make sure we show up for our kids, our communities, and the future we’re building together.
Meet Our Endorsed Candidates
Dr. Van Truong
Beaverton School Board, Zone 1
Dr. Vân Truong brings over 30 years of experience in public education—as a paraprofessional, teacher, and administrator—and a deep commitment to equity and community-centered leadership. A proud Vietnamese-American parent and grandparent, Dr. Truong is running for Beaverton School Board to ensure that every student, especially those from historically marginalized communities, has access to safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive schools. Her leadership as a former Interim Assistant Superintendent focused on closing opportunity gaps and advocating for systemic change. We believe Dr. Truong's experience and values make her a powerful advocate for the diverse students and families of Beaverton.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Syed Qasim
Beaverton School Board, Zone 5
Syed Qasim is a committed community leader and parent running for Beaverton School Board, Zone 5. With a background in coalition-building through roles like Co-Chair of the Beaverton Climate Action Task Force and member of the Inclusive Housing Cohort, Syed brings a track record of thoughtful leadership and collaborative problem-solving. His platform centers on increasing community access, advancing climate justice, and fostering transparency—all grounded in his identity as a Pakistani Muslim American and dedication to equity for all students and families.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Marcus LeGrand
Bend-La Pine School Board, Zone 2
Marcus LeGrand is a dedicated advocate for equity and student success, running for reelection to the Bend-La Pine School Board. As a current board member, co-founder of The Father’s Group, and member of several advisory councils, Marcus has worked tirelessly to support underserved communities, elevate student voice, and improve access to education. His continued leadership centers on student safety, academic achievement, and ensuring every child can thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Ross Tomlin
Bend-La Pine School Board, Zone 6
Ross Tomlin is a seasoned educator and former college president running for Bend-La Pine School Board, Zone 6. With over two decades of leadership in education, Ross brings a deep commitment to equity, student-centered learning, and hands-on career and technical education. His collaborative approach and dedication to inclusive policy-making make him a strong advocate for creating opportunities where every student can thrive.
Learn more at the campaign site.
William Mohring
Centennial School Board, District 3
William Mohring is a dedicated public servant and current Centennial School Board member running for Zone 3. With professional experience in real estate, community relations, and hospitality, William brings a collaborative and equity-focused approach to school leadership. He is committed to academic excellence, safe and inclusive schools, and meaningful community engagement—ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Luhui Whitebear
Corvallis School Board, Seat 4
Luhui Whitebear is a powerful voice for equity and inclusion, running for re-election to the Corvallis School Board. A longtime advocate and community leader, Luhui brings deep experience from her roles on the school board, the OSBA Board of Directors, and as President of the Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus. Her leadership is rooted in a lifelong commitment to uplifting marginalized voices, advancing educational equity, and defending public education for all students.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Shauna Tominey
Corvallis School Board, Seat 5
Shauna Tominey is a deeply committed Corvallis School Board member and lifelong education advocate running for re-election to Position 5. A professor, researcher, and parenting education coordinator, Shauna brings unmatched experience in child development, equity-centered policy, and community collaboration. Her leadership is rooted in transparency, compassion, and a vision for a school system that is inclusive, trauma-informed, and truly responsive to the needs of all students and families.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Bernie Wang
Corvallis School Board, Seat 7
Bernie Wang is a trusted leader and dedicated Corvallis School Board member running for re-election. With a focus on equity, inclusion, and student safety, Bernie has championed policies that protect student rights, close opportunity gaps, and support comprehensive education for all. He brings a steady, principled voice to the board—committed to community collaboration, accountability, and making schools a place where every student can thrive, regardless of background.
Deian Salazar
David Douglas School Board, Position 3
Deian Salazar is a bold, community-rooted leader running for David Douglas School Board to uplift youth voices, invest in mental health, and champion equity in education. As a BIPOC youth advocate with deep ties to East Portland, Deian brings lived experience and policy expertise from statewide commissions and youth advocacy spaces. His campaign centers on collaboration, inclusive opportunity, and ensuring that every student—regardless of background—has the resources and support they need to thrive.
Learn more at the campaign site.
José Gamero-Georgeson
David Douglas School Board, Position 7
José Gamero-Georgeson is a passionate advocate, current David Douglas School Board member, and immigrant who brings lived experience and deep community insight to his leadership. As a gay parent and longtime champion for equity, José is committed to protecting student rights, expanding access to comprehensive education, and ensuring schools remain safe, inclusive spaces for all. He leads with empathy, action, and an unwavering dedication to students and families who are too often left behind.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Devon Lawson
Lane Community College Board, Zone 3
Devon Lawson is a lifelong education advocate and reform-minded leader committed to transparency, equity, and student success. As a queer candidate with deep experience in policy, campaign organizing, and community governance, Devon has co-authored legislation, served on the LCC Bond Oversight Committee, and pushed for student voice on school boards. Their platform focuses on modernizing education infrastructure, expanding career pathways, and ensuring every student—especially those from underserved communities—has the tools to thrive. Devon’s bold, inclusive leadership is exactly what Lane Community College needs.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Richard Andrew Vazquez
Lane Community College Board, Zone 4
Richard Andrew Vasquez is a committed public servant and former college trustee running for the Lane Community College Board. With a strong focus on diversity, inclusion, and educational equity, Richard brings deep experience in governance, community service, and student advocacy. As an American Indian candidate and longtime local volunteer, he is dedicated to expanding access, boosting enrollment, and ensuring college remains affordable and inclusive for all.
Erica Fuller
Multnomah Education Service District (MESD), Position 2
Erica Fuller is a bold and visionary leader running for Multnomah Education Service District, Position 2. As a neurodivergent, disabled, Black and Indigenous queer woman, Erica brings an unwavering commitment to accessible education, authentic leadership, and youth empowerment. A former Centennial School Board director, she leads with empathy, innovation, and lived experience—fighting for every student to be seen, heard, and supported.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Jessica Arzate
Multnomah Education Service District (MESD), Position 4
Jessica Arzate is a seasoned education leader and social justice advocate running for re-election to the Multnomah ESD Board, Zone 4. A proud Mexican American and long-serving MESD board member, Jessica brings deep experience in public policy, equity-driven leadership, and coalition building. She’s committed to strengthening culturally responsive education, increasing educator diversity, and expanding trauma-informed supports for students with the highest needs.
Samantha Tamtreng
North Clackamas School Board, Zone 5
Samantha Tamtreng is a longtime community advocate and equity leader running for North Clackamas School Board, Position 5. With over 20 years of local engagement as a parent, volunteer, and equity advisor, Samantha brings deep experience in inclusive leadership, financial oversight, and building bridges across communities. As a multiracial candidate committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, she is focused on removing barriers, supporting diverse educators, and ensuring every student has what they need to succeed.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Rashelle Chase-Miller
Portland Public School Board, Zone 4
Rashelle Chase-Miller is a seasoned educator, community organizer, and third-generation Portland Public Schools alum running for PPS School Board, Zone 4. A former teacher and statewide literacy leader, Rashelle brings deep experience, a track record of bold advocacy, and a clear vision for equity, inclusion, and academic excellence. She’s ready to fight for literacy, uplift diverse voices, and build the culturally responsive schools every Portland student deserves.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Jorge Sanchez Bautista
Portland Public School Board, Zone 5
Jorge Sanchez Bautista is a dynamic, youth-driven leader running for Portland Public Schools Board, Zone 5. As a queer, Mayan-Mexican former PPS student and current member of the Oregon State Board of Education, Jorge brings lived experience, statewide perspective, and a deep commitment to equity, accountability, and community voice. His campaign is powered by a bold vision to make PPS more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the students and families it serves.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Stephanie Engelsman
Portland Public School Board, Zone 6
Stephanie Engelsman is a dedicated public defender, PPS parent, and fierce advocate for public education running for Portland Public Schools Board, Zone 6. An immigrant and mother of three, Stephanie brings a sharp legal mind and a passionate, community-rooted commitment to fully funding schools, supporting teachers, and defending public education from systemic disinvestment. She’s running to ensure every student feels safe, seen, and supported in the classroom and beyond.
Learn more at the campaign site.
Heather Quaas Annsa
Springfield School Board, Position 2
Heather Quaas-Annsa is a passionate advocate, experienced board member, and LGBTQ+ leader running for re-election to the Springfield Public Schools Board, Position 2. As a parent, nonprofit leader, and champion for educational equity, Heather brings lived experience and deep community ties to her student-centered leadership. She’s committed to inclusive policies, supporting educators, and ensuring every student has the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
How You Can Help
These races may be local, but their impact is massive. Together, we can make sure our endorsed candidates have the people power they need to win. Whether it’s knocking doors, making calls, or spreading the word online, your voice matters. Join us in standing up for equity and justice in education.
Sign up to volunteer today and help us elect school board members who will fight for all of us.
Latest articles
Browse all articles
Building Bright Futures in a Thriving Oregon
