Washington County Democrats Press Release:
Washington County Democrats Announce a SpringFest Fundraiser featuring A School Board Forum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11th, 2021
CONTACT:
Patrick Maguire
washcodems.org
971-205-2464
chair@washcodems.org
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Washington County Democrats Announce a SpringFest Fundraiser featuring A School Board Forum
Washington County Democrats—“2021 SpringFest: Winds of Change” The winds of change are upon us after 4 years of hard work. We have so much to celebrate, and so much more to do! Be a part of our first fundraiser of the year, and help us keep Washington County BLUE. This is a Zoom virtual event, on Saturday, April 3rd, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Emceed by Felicita Monteblanco, Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District Director.
More Details here >
This year we are featuring a candidate school board forum
Featuring:
Special Guest Speaker: Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici
School Forum Host:
Ben Bowman of the Tigard-Tualatin School Board
With:
- Erika Lopez, Chair of the Hillsboro School Board
- Dr. Karen Perez-Da Silva, running for Beaverton School Board, Zone 2
- Dr. Marvin Lynn, Dean of the College of Education (COE) at PSU, running for Tualatin School District, Position 5
Why the Focus on School Boards?
School boards have broad power to steer the overall budget, direction, and vision of the public schools in their districts. However, most people have no idea how much the political beliefs of their school board members can influence their child’s education.
When school board members do good work, they can craft policy to help create well-educated and well-rounded students who have access not just to core subjects like math and English but to science, art, sports, and more. They can help ensure that our students become healthy adults, by encouraging healthy behaviors and providing science-based health education.
This year, we expect school board elections to feature two main issues, along with challenges from conservative forces that do not want science-based policies and curricula in our schools:
- Safe School Reopening: Reopening schools in ways that consider the needs of students, parents, and teachers will be a hot-button issue. As more Oregonians become vaccinated, it will be important for our schools to reopen safely, and without the reckless disregard for public health that conservative states like Texas have displayed. Remote learning continues to be a challenge for many parents, so while schools remain closed, it will be important for our schools to continue supporting parents and students to the best of their ability, with virtual learning assistance, lunch delivery programs, and more.
- Science-based Health Education: In 2019, local school boards began implementing Oregon’s Comprehensive Sex Education Plan. These plans give our students expert-driven, age-appropriate, and science-based health information. They also help students learn about bodily autonomy and consent in ways that reduce school bullying and that increase children’s ability to protect themselves and to recognize and report abuse. Conservative fringe groups have railed against these widely popular plans, and they hope to eliminate this curriculum if we cannot defeat their candidates.
Click here > for more about school boards and why they are important
Click here > for more about the Hillsboro school board election
Click here > for more about Washington County Democrat 2021 February Central Committee Endorsements
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CALENDAR EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE:
Who: Washington County Democrats, Washington County, Oregon
What: 2021 SpringFest: Winds of Change Fundraiser
Where: Zoom Event
When: Saturday, April 3, 2021
Tickets: $10 per guest. Ticket for entry includes a free raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets are $5 per ticket.
Ticket Purchase: https://wcd.partysupporters.com/springfest2021/register/ticket_sales
Info: https://washcodems.org/2021/02/20/april-3-2021-springfest-winds-of-change/
Contact: vicechair1@washcodems.org
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About Washington County Democrats (“WashCo Dems”)
WashCo Dems is the local chapter of the Democratic Party in Washington County. We believe that it’s not enough just to be against the Republican Party. If real progress is going to be made in our lifetime, we need to support constructive and progressive ideas that can solve problems and bring America closer together as a nation. We are committed to creating a society with opportunities for all. By advancing sound, progressive ideas, we are working to create a more equal and sustainable society now and for generations to come.
Click here > for the Washington County Democrat Leadership page
Click here > for the Washington County About page
Click here > for more details on Washington County Democrat 2020 Accomplishments
Washington County Democrats
140 NE 3rd Ave.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
www.washcodems.org