Four candidates run for Salem-Keizer Board, Zone 1
Four candidates are running for the Zone 1 seat on the Salem-Keizer School Board.
Mark Bateman, Kathy Goss, Kathleen Harder, and Ross Swartzendruber are all battling for the seat, currently held by Chris Brantley.
The Statesman Journal reached out to the candidates to learn more about them and their platforms, and see how they plan to address certain issues in the district.
Among the many issues they want to tackle, graduation rates, career and technical education opportunities, and facilities and funding came up frequently.
Read their responses to the questionnaire here:
Mark Bateman
Age: 49
City/town of residence: Salem
Position you are seeking: Salem-Keizer School Board, Director Zone 1
Are you currently a full-time resident within the boundaries of the specific zone you seek to represent? Yes
Number ofcurrent, consecutive years living within the zone you seek to represent: 9.5 years
Family: Wife Brenda Bateman, two children (13 and 11)
Your education:
- McKay High School, graduate
- Johns Hopkins University, BA
- George Washington University, MA
Current occupation, employer and job duties:
- Founder and CEO, ENSOGO Analytics, a firm that rates mutual funds on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.
- Director of ESG Research, Aperio Group. Responsible for strategic development of ESG services and client interactions to customize portfolios.
Previous employers:
- IW Financial, Director of Research, 2005-2012
- Investor Responsibility Research Center, Vice President, Research and Operations, 1993-2004
- Presbyterian Church (USA), Washington Office, Systems Administrator, 1992-1993
- Sen. Mark O. Hatfield, Legislative Aide, 1990-1991
Military service:
- Commissioned, Second Lieutenant, 1990
- Graduated, Officer Basic Course, 1991
- Individual Ready Reserve
Volunteer/civic/religious service:
- Board Chair, United Methodist Ministries of Salem-Keizer, 2015-present
- Chair, Western Jurisdiction United Methodist Church Council on Finance and Administration, 2016-present
- Member, Oregon-Idaho Conference United Methodist Church Board of Ordained Ministry, 2005-2016
- Administrative Board Chair, Salem First United Methodist Church, 2012-2015
- Finance Committee Chair, Salem First United Methodist Church, 2010-2012
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:
- Salem-Keizer School District Budget Committee, present
- Salem-Keizer School District Citizens Facilities Task Force, 2016-2017
- City Budget Committee, Sherwood, Oregon Member and Chair, 2005-2007
How the public can reach your campaign:
- E-mail address: BatemanForSchoolBoard@gmail.com
- Website URL: www.MarkBateman.net
- Facebook and other social media: @BatemanForSchoolBoard (Friends of Mark Bateman)
1. To an outsider, how would you describe the region you wish to represent — geographically, economically, politically and socially?
The Salem-Keizer School District is the second largest school district in Oregon with 42,000 students. The district has a wide range of socio-economic levels from low income to very wealthy. Traditionally, the region has been relatively moderate in its politics with candidates from both parties successfully serving in office. Socially, both Salem and Keizer have a variety of community-wide events that draw people together and define our cities. We have a large and growing Hispanic population.
2. Describe the positives and negatives of this region/zone that you wish to represent or address:
Salem-Keizer has a relatively stable economy as the state capital but needs more economic diversity. The presence of state government buildings limits its property tax base compared to other similarly-sized cities. The cities struggle with homelessness. Churches and non-profits are active in supporting the needs of homeless individuals and families. The area has a number of cultural institutions like the YMCA, Kroc Center, Art Fair, Iris Festival, Children’s Educational Theater, Awesome 3000, Saturday Market, Hoopla, and Country Kid Relays.
3. What specific skills or experiences do you have that would make you effective in this office?
Professionally, I’m a researcher. This means that I ask questions, and not rhetorically, but to dig for better information and understanding. My work on the District Budget Committee and Facilities Task Force gives me a very good understanding of the fiscal workings of the district. I’ve played senior roles in a variety of for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, building consensus and thinking creatively and strategically with a group of people to solve problems.
4. What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I’m the only candidate in any zone who has served on both the School District Budget Committee and the Facilities Task Force. I’m one of only two candidates in Zone 1 who graduated from a Salem-Keizer high school. I have a specific plan for involving and expanding the information and perspectives available to the school board by launching a robust conversation with the community.
5. How much will your campaign cost?
About $5,000.
6. Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been disciplined by a professional licensing board/organization or had an ethics violation filed against you? If so, please give the details.
No.
7. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, been delinquent on your taxes or other major accounts, or been sued personally or professionally? If so, please give the details.
No.
8. What are the three most important issues you would address if elected, and how?
- Raising graduation rates. This requires a concerted effort on a grade-by-grade basis from kindergarten through 12th grade to increase the likelihood of kids focusing on and staying in school. The entire community needs to be involved in addressing challenges such as homelessness, poverty, and equity issues. We need an expansion of career tech opportunities through internships, which can be used as real life learning opportunities in local businesses.
- Focusing on Life-Long Learning. The rate of change in the world is accelerating. The iPhone alone has made the world radically different than it was ten years ago. Imagine ten years from now. Unless we prepare our students to be life-long learners, they might not succeed in that world. We need a process to identify trends and help our educational system adjust. I will lead the school board in convening this community-wide process.
- More community involvement. The school board cannot solve all of today’s challenges by itself. The challenges are wide and varied and we need the entire community to help in identifying and solving them. Solutions are likely cross-disciplinary in nature, which means bringing in different expertise in volunteer, mentoring, and professional capacities to help. Only by involving the entire community can we make transformational change in our schools.
9. What do you see as other important issues?
Embedded in the above discussions are a variety of equity issues, which can result in achievement gaps for our students. We are hampered by current funding mechanisms within the state. And finally, we are afraid of change. Change is coming, whether we like it or not. The school board must lead the process of identifying, wrestling with, and planning how Salem-Keizer schools will thrive in the midst of inevitable community and societal change.
10. How would you deal with apathy or people in your zone not wishing to interact with the board?
The school board needs to meet people where they are, demonstrating the relevance of its work to the wider community. The board’s approach to “policy governance” has focused on the superintendent, to the detriment of building relationships with students, parents, teachers, and business leaders. This is why I believe the board must act to convene an ongoing community-wide conversation regarding education. It’s not just technology that will change. Institutions have to change as well to maintain their relevance.
11. How would you like to address the graduation rate in the district?
Teachers have told me that they can identify in kindergarten which kids will have trouble in school. We need to be intentional about very early interventions to support these students and their families. Our mantra must become: “Intervene early and often.” Our teachers have to have the tools, training, motivation, and support to make the extra effort in every case. Every student is worth saving. Every additional high school graduate is a win.
12. Is there any other information that you should disclose before it comes up in the campaign? Anything (including health issues) that would affect your ability to serve your full term? Any changes in your life situation that are contemplated or expected before the election or before you would take office?
No/None.
Kathy Goss
Age: 70
City/town of residence: Salem, Oregon
Position you are seeking, district number, etc.: Salem/Keizer School District 24J, Board of Directors for Zone 1
Are you currently a full-time resident within the boundaries of the specific zone you seek to represent? Yes
Number of current, consecutive years living within the zone you seek to represent: 13 years
Family: Darr L. Goss, husband, three grown children
Your education:
- North Salem High School
- Oregon State University with a BS in Elementary Education
- Western Oregon University with an MS in Guidance and Counseling
- Portland State University with a Doctorate in Education Administration
Current occupation, employer and job duties:
- Partner, Capital Valuation Group Ltd., Commercial real estate appraiser, 1998-present
- Portland Public Schools, 1968-1970
- Salem Public Schools, 1970-1976
- Special Education Coordinator, 1986-1988
- Detroit Public Schools, 1994-1995
- Gen. Mgr. Newport Pacific Corp. 1996-1998
Military service and when: None
Volunteer/civic/religious service:
- Salem Chamber of Commerce, President 2004-05
- 2009 Vern Miller Key Citizen Award Salem First Citizen 2008
- Executive Board, KROC Center 2009
- Oregon State Fair Commissioner, President ‘02+
- Statesman Journal 2010-2014
- Assistance League 10 yrs.
- Good Will Industries Board 2015
- Go Salem Downtown, President 2010
- NFIB Leadership Board 2016
Please list all public offices to which you’ve been elected, and when:
None
Please list any unsuccessful candidacies for public office, and when:
Oregon House of Representatives, District 20, 2014
Other prior political and government or school district experience:
Judge Muniz appointment to Citizen Review Board, Gov. Kitzhaber appointment to State Fair Board, Court Appointment as Child Advocate (CASA)
How the public can reach your campaign:
- Mail address: PO Box, 2108
- E-mail address: kgoss@darrgoss.com
- Website URL: www.kathyforschoolboard.com
- Phone: 503 580-8151
- Facebook and other social media: Facebook (kathygoss), Twitter
1. To an outsider, how would you describe the region you wish to represent — geographically, economically, politically and socially?
Zone 1 is a diverse area in so many ways. It runs along the east side of the Willamette River in Marion County to the border of Zone 4. There are two somewhat dense population areas within the zone in south Salem prior to reaching the Marion St. Bridge. The largest area of Zone 1 is in West Salem, Polk County, both north and south of the bridge. Each side of the river encompasses an array of socio-economic areas. Each side of the Willamette have schools from grade K to 12. The majority of new building are in West Salem. Economically both sides go from high-income view homes to modest smaller homes. The school district is a uniting factor within the district.
2. Describe the positives and negatives of this region/zone that you wish to represent or address:
Zone 1 is geographically the largest and stretches into two Counties which sometimes govern differently. Positively, the zone receives the benefit of recreation and irrigation from the River. On the negative side is the traffic bottleneck of the bridge as well as only one reasonable access in emergency situations.
3. What specific skills or experiences do you have that would make you effective in this office?
I was born and raised in Salem, and have a deep knowledge of the full area. I also have the educational credentials allowing me to fully understand the paths within the district to get things done. At this time in my life, I have the time and interest in giving back to my community. I very much want to improve the education we are offering children in the Salem/Keizer District. We do many things very well in our schools but we need to improve graduation rates, daily attendance and add more career education, to become more relevant to students
4. What separates you from your opponent(s)?
Education, experience in the classroom as well as experience in the political arena of the Legislature. I have the ability and skill to contribute to the Board. I am also a Commercial Real Estate Appraiser well versed in property values which may help in facility planning. It’s all about the kids. Let’s focus on spending wisely and be sure funds go directly to the classroom.
5. How much will your campaign cost?
It’s very hard to be too specific while the campaign is still in process, but I don’t intend to spend more than $15,000.
6. Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been disciplined by a professional licensing board/organization or had an ethics violation filed against you? If so, please give the details.
An Administrative complaint was filed by the Appraisal Certification and Licensure Board (ACLB) over a 2007-2008 appraisal my firm completed, and I had worked on. I disputed the complaint in court and the issue was resolved and the case dismissed.
7. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, been delinquent on your taxes or other major accounts, or been sued personally or professionally? If so, please give the details.
No
8. What are the three most important issues you would address if elected, and how?
- Reading by the third grade is essential for children to be successful throughout their life. With early education in our school system, we should be able to diagnose problems early, well before grade three. If problems exist, we need to wrap the child and sometimes the family with District and State services to address the problems.
- Children and parents need more choices in education. I would work hard to expand Career education (CTE) to meet the needs of all children. I would like a study of Salem and Oregon to identify where jobs and employees are needed. We need to offer these areas of study. This is a great way to make study relevant to students, solve needs in our community and help students be proficient in skills without creating a huge debt. Four-year colleges certainly could use some competition. The private job sector could help as well with on the job training or intern programs.
- We do not want our children to receive a minimal education, thus we should be offering more than minimal instructional days in the school year. Each year we plan school days near 180. If the weather is a problem, we make up some days. We can do better — our kids deserve better. We have facilities, let’s use them more.
9. What do you see as other important issues?
Other issues are attendance, testing, and adequate facilities and getting the most out of every dollar we are given.
10. How would you deal with apathy or people in your zone note wishing to interact with the board?
I would make an effort to reach out to all parents; that means socially, through organizations and clubs. Many parents are a bit intimidated by schools, teachers and especially the formality of Boards.
We need to be the first to reach out in their communities.
11. How would you like to address the graduation rate in the district?
I believe all the earlier question 8 suggestions will help. Already the Portland Rd. facility for CET has helped raise that rate for the full district. It’s a start.
12. Is there any other information that you should disclose before it comes up in the campaign? Anything (including health issues) that would affect your ability to serve your full term? Any changes in your life situation that are contemplated or expected before the election or before you would take office?
None that I am aware of.
Kathleen Harder
Age: 58
City/town of residence: Salem, Oregon
Position you are seeking: Salem-Keizer School Board Director, Zone 1
Are you currently a full-time resident within the boundaries of the specific zone you seek to represent? Yes
Number of current, consecutive years living within the zone you seek to represent: 7
Family: Spouse, Robert J. Harder, M.D., Son, Nathaniel Harder, 18 (Senior at Sprague High School), Daughters, Jill (Chicago), Erin (Dallas, TX)
Your education:
- Chagrin Falls High School, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
- University of North Texas, BA Biology
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, MD
- Baylor University Medical Center, Internal Medicine Internship and Residency
If employed, current occupation, employer and job duties:
- Partner, Salem Clinic
- Hospitalist practicing at Salem Health
Previous employers and when:
- Stillwater Internal Medicine, 1996-2010, Stillwater, OK
- Dallas Diagnostic Associates, 1994-1996, Dallas, TX
Military service and when: N/A
Volunteer/civic/religious service and when:
- Salem Free Clinics, Volunteer Provider, 2016-current
- Salem Sunrise Rotary, 2016-present
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:
Stillwater ISD, school board candidate 2009
Other prior political and government or school district experience:
Citizens Facilities Task Force, Salem-Keizer School District, 2016-2017
How the public can reach your campaign:
- Mail address: PO Box 1103, Salem, Oregon, 97308
- E-mail address: khimdoc@aol.com
- Website URL: friendsofkathleenharder.com
- Phone: 405-269-6632
- Facebook and other social media: Kathleenharderforschoolboard (Facebook)
1. To an outsider, how would you describe the region you wish to represent — geographically, economically, politically and socially?
Although I am running for Zone 1, Salem-Keizer School Board, my campaign is about serving all the students, families and teachers living throughout our community. The Salem-Keizer area is an increasingly diverse region with strong ties to agriculture, manufacturing, small businesses, and vital government functions. We live in a beautiful region of Oregon. As stewards of this place and people, we must prepare our next generation for the emerging challenges we face.
2. Describe the positives and negatives of this region/zone that you wish to represent or address:
Students, families, and teachers within the Salem-Keizer district reflect an increasingly diverse population, seeking both socioeconomic fairness as well as progress and community prosperity. That said, we serve a disproportionately large population of struggling families. Our schools are much more than a collection of classrooms—they are lifelines for many, a ladder for most. We must strengthen our relationships and transform this diversity into a community asset.
3. What specific skills or experiences do you have that would make you effective in this office?
I believe my background is uniquely tailored for this moment. As a mother, a physician, and a passionate Oregonian frustrated with our persistent achievement gap, increase in homelessness of students within our community and the disconnect between our schools and the state in terms of sustainable funding, I am prepared to champion meaningful change. I know how to analyze data, bring teams together to find solutions, and take necessary actions for increasing the educational health of our community.
4. What separates you from your opponent(s)?
No other candidate offers my blend of life experiences: informed leadership in making hard choices. As a mother of three, I have learned a lot about our schools. As a physician trained in evaluating information — data in context with patient experiences, I know when to listen, when to act. I offer passionate advocacy, tested leadership, and the skills to help teams navigate difficult choices.
5. How much will your campaign cost?
Although the campaign is still unfolding, it is likely to cost us about $25,000 to implement a full-spectrum, grass-roots campaign. With four candidates running for Zone 1, we will need to supplement our door-to-door efforts with some mailings in an effort to reach the entire district. One of our opponents has, or shortly will, outspend us. However, I am hopeful that our community will see through the noise of the campaign, and choose the most qualified candidate.
6. Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been disciplined by a professional licensing board/organization or had an ethics violation filed against you? If so, please give the details.
No
7. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, been delinquent on your taxes or other major accounts, or been sued personally or professionally? If so, please give the details.
No
8. What are the three most important issues you would address if elected, and how?
A. Graduation Rates: Our first priority must be facilitating a realistic strategy to make progress in graduation rates. We must provide teachers with the tools needed to facilitate a learning environment, the resources to ensure students are “ready to learn” while at all of our schools, and build upon the successes made in connecting student interest to relevant life-long learning and workforce preparation.
B. Facilities: We must be responsible stewards of our resources. This means we must physically manage our schools with an eye to the future, and ensure all facilities have extended usefulness. With over 42,000 students and more to come, we must find an equitable, community-centric approach to facility development and utility. We should explore ways to strengthen relationships between neighborhoods and the schools within them.
C. Career and Technical Workforce Preparation: As a leader in the state with regards to Career and Technical Education, we must build upon the accomplishments made at CTEC. Our continued investment in CTE is critical for our future: engaging students in relevant education, while developing the skills needed for emerging as well as existing careers/trades. We must continue to strengthen and expand the networks associated with workforce development with new and existing community partners.
9. What do you see as other important issues?
The biggest challenge facing schools in Oregon is the erratic and unsustainable funding model, coupled with the lack of local control. In addition, the rise in student homelessness and housing insecurity is a problem that we must play a role in solving. While not inherently school board responsibilities, as a community we must find a way to tackle these problems.
10. How would you deal with apathy or people in your zone note wishing to interact with the board?
Apathy results from feelings of not being valued in the process. We must make our schools and board more welcoming to the community so that we can have collaborative discussions about the challenges and opportunities that face us.
11. How would you like to address the graduation rate in the district?
There is no one strategy to improve graduation rates. We must make sure our teachers have the tools to do their job effectively. We must make sure that our students are prepared to learn at all levels. Teaching methods need to be engaging and relevant to students, with an eye towards collaborative teaching styles, as in STEAM programs. Barriers to student engagement must be broken down, whether in facilities, curriculum, or extra-curricular activities.
12. Is there any other information that you should disclose before it comes up in the campaign? Anything (including health issues) that would affect your ability to serve your full term? Any changes in your life situation that are contemplated or expected before the election or before you would take office?
No
Ross Swartzendruber
Age: 52
City/town of residence: Polk County
Position you are seeking: Salem-Keizer School Director, Zone 1
Are you currently a full-time resident within the boundaries of the specific zone you seek to represent? Yes.
Number of current, consecutive years living within the zone you seek to represent: 28
Family: Tanja Langen, Lillian, 13, Henry, 11, Rose, 11
Your education: Amity High School 1982, Chemeketa Community College, Oregon State University, Boston University (BA in Biology, 1988)
Current occupation, employer and job duties: Self-employed, Black Sheep Advertising Inc. Produce and place advertising (1997-present)
Previous employers and when:
Swartzendruber Sheep Station (1990-1992, 1980-1987), Köhlhofer AG (1993), Genetics Institute, Inc. (1989), Boston University School of Education (1988), Boston University Chemistry Department (1987), Oregon State University Department of Microbiology (1984)
Military service and when:
None.
Volunteer/civic/religious service and when:
Mid-Valley Video Festival (2006-2013), Salem Creative Network (2009-present), Straub Middle School Music Boosters (2015-present) Board Director-elect, Bethel College Board (2017) Salem Area Chamber of Commerce
Please list all public offices to which you’ve been elected, and when:
None.
Please list any unsuccessful candidacies for public office, and when:
House District 23, 2012
Senate District 12, 2016
Other prior political and government or school district experience:
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Student Advisory Committee member (1981-82)
How the public can reach your campaign:
- Mail address: Box 5124, Salem, OR 97304
- E-mail address: ross@friendsofross.org
- Website URL: friendsofross.org
- Phone: 503-364-1403
- Facebook and other social media: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofross.org
1. To an outsider, how would you describe the region you wish to represent — geographically, economically, politically and socially?
From the rolling Eola Hills to the onion flats of Lake Labish, Salem-Keizer School District bounds Salem, Keizer and rural Polk and Marion counties. Rich in agriculture, the area lies in the center of the Willamette Valley and with most of the workforce in administrative and managerial occupations. Citizen participation is limited in the political struggle between partisan and special interests. Socially, the region is experiencing a loss of diversity.
2. Describe the positives and negatives of this region/zone that you wish to represent or address:
I wish to represent the positives of traditional virtues of public education established in our region during the past two centuries. Commitment to adequate public funding, public provision, separation of church and state and gender equity allows our community to grow through economic transitions.
U.S. Census data indicates rapid homogenization since 2010, which negatively affects our global competitiveness. By coordinating schools, businesses, governments and agencies, our community will benefit by growing international networks.
3. What specific skills or experiences do you have that would make you effective in this office?
My most effective skill in this office is my proven ability to implement successful, low-cost innovations that benefit the community. Administering Megawatt Project through Salem Creative Network allowed me to create a network with Strategic Economic Development Corporation, area contractors, and state agencies to install Salem-made solar pv on Straub and Kalapuya schools. Workforce training for solar installation training was developed through Jobworks, Inc. and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry.
4. What separates you from your opponent(s)?
My small-business background, access to policymakers, and ability to create solutions through social innovation separate me from my opponents. Twenty years of advertising in the area allowed meeting people in all levels of business and government. Political campaigns for State Representative (2012, 9900+ votes, 33%) and State Senate (2016, 23,000+ votes, 37%) allowed exposure to state and federal policymakers on both sides of the aisle.
5. How much will your campaign cost?
$1500
6. Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been disciplined by a professional licensing board/organization or had an ethics violation filed against you? If so, please give the details.
No.
7. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, been delinquent on your taxes or other major accounts, or been sued personally or professionally? If so, please give the details.
No.
8. What are the three most important issues you would address if elected, and how?
A. Addressing massive unemployment and underemployment is a priority. The first step is recognizing the paradigm shift created by technology and machine learning. We then need to transition from career and college ready to out of basement ready, that is, students are able to move out of the basement when they graduate. Students should learn how to create jobs by enhancing human-only soft skills, like confidence, interest, and value. Unique traits should grow to greatness.
B. Alienating our children to the learning process through value judgments decreases our global competitiveness. Normal growth opportunities acquired through music, art, and recess have been eliminated by blind faith in unproven testing and technology.
Teaching to each student's unique strength while cultivating greatness reduces alienation and allows for student autonomy and choice. By combining their motivation, talent, and skill to create value for others, students will develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
C. As with each industrial revolution, our schools are confronted with massive inequities caused by funding, technology, and international pressures. Our current strategy using high-stakes testing to compete internationally has failed to produce acceptable outcomes and may contribute to the homogenization of our community. Diversity should be emphasized using low-cost innovation to connect Salem-Keizer School District students to the international education community. As machine learning becomes more prevalent, human skills create value.
9. What do you see as other important issues?
Public input, transparency, and accountability are issues that deserve discussion. Readygen and Redbird personalized learning systems were implemented in district elementary schools without any discussion with the public. No parent or teacher is allowed to see the high-stakes test content and cut scores are arbitrary. There is no research showing improved outcomes through high-stakes testing. After 15 years of no improvement with these tests, we should create a transition.
10. How would you deal with apathy or people in your zone note wishing to interact with the board?
I would offer more public forums and information on the website as a start. Also, a monthly community radio and television production would help with outreach. Attending neighborhood associations offers the community an opportunity for dialogue.
11. How would you like to address the graduation rate in the district?
High-stakes testing causes some students to dislike learning or disengage. Energy and resources for these should be allocated to developing a student's unique traits and making them great. We should focus on creating solutions to problems worth solving.
12. Is there any other information that you should disclose before it comes up in the campaign? Anything (including health issues) that would affect your ability to serve your full term? Any changes in your life situation that are contemplated or expected before the election or before you would take office?
No.
Contact Natalie Pate at npate@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6745, or follow her on Twitter @Nataliempate or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nataliepatejournalist
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