By News-Register staff • 

Mac school board incumbents sweep to re-election ... Link to election results

Click here for link to full Yamhill County election results.

Editor's Note: This article, originally posted on May 19, was updated on May 22 with additional information.

Joining Schieber in winning re-election were Janis Braich, Larry Vollmer and Dr. Scott Gibson.

Braich, a retired nurse, prevailed over Bill Bordeaux, a retired teacher, 2,461 to 1,862, or 56.9 percent to 43.1 percent.

Vollmer, a engineer and salesman, turned back Al Whitaker, who owns an investment and insurance agency, 2,652 to 1,615, or 62.1 percent to 37.9 percent.

Gibson, a physician, swept past retiree Norma Swanborough, 3,453 to 1,068, or 76.4 percent to 23.6 percent.

Braich, a Portland native, has served on the board for 16 years. Only Stan Primozich has a longer tenure.

Before she joined the board, she was an active volunteer. She helped found the Bear Backers program at McMinnville High and has worked on many Mayor’s Charity Balls, a fundraiser for the district’s after-school program.

“Good schools are an important part of the community,” she said.

Braich described herself as a team player and problem solver who is willing to listen to both sides before making a decision. She said supporting teachers with training and appropriate pay is important.

“What they do is so essential,” she said. “It’s a tough job and getting tougher.”

Vollmer was appointed in 2006 to replace a member who moved away. He ran unopposed in 2007 and 2011.

He said he has no personal agenda, and is willing to put in the time and effort to get things done.

“I’m generally curious and I like to learn and be of service, especially to kids,” said Vollmer, who also teaches Sunday school, serves meals to the homeless and is involved with his middle school daughter’s activities.

Turnout ran 21.1 percent, according to the Yamhill County Clerk’s Office.

Helping children is his main reason for being on the school board, Vollmer said.

“I’m just all about kids,” he said. “I have a big soft spot for doing things for kids.”

Gibson is completing his first four-year term. He said he has learned a great deal serving on the board.

He said McMinnville schools have done a very good job preparing for the federal Common Core standards.

The district took the program seriously and prepared teachers well, so they would feel comfortable with the challenging requirements. As a result, students are doing well and rising to expectations.

Another issue with which the board is dealing is the possibility of asking voters to approve a construction bond later this year or in 2016.

Gibson would like to see the state Legislature add more money into school funding. That would help McMinnville keep programs, decrease class sizes and perhaps start rebuilding some programs lost during the recession.

Despite funding constraints, though, McMinnville schools are doing very well, he said. He credits that to “high expectations and high levels of support.”


Comments

Don

McMinnville School Board election had a 21.1% turn out. I would hope the turn out will improve in the future. Those willing to run for elected office deserve our participation via the ballot.

Web Design and Web Development by Buildable