The 2025 Special District Election for the Grants Pass School District is critical, with four board positions up for election as terms expire on June 30, 2025.
Incumbents Cassie Wilkins, Gary Richardson, and Joe Schmidt have already submitted their applications to run for re-election, while Debbie Brownell has yet to file, but Quin Collins has submitted an application for position 4.
Oregon faces significant challenges in education, and many outside groups actively push for ideological influence over our children’s learning. These elections will shape the future of our schools, and it’s essential that we elect board members who prioritize academic excellence, parental rights, and community values.
When casting your vote for these key positions, do your research. Know where each candidate stands and make an informed decision that reflects the best interests of our children and our community.
Read the below to learn more about just one of the groups trying to control our children’s education.
In addition to our city council speakers, we will touch on this at the upcoming Lunch and Learn this Thursday.
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The Rural Organizing Project (ROP) positions itself as a champion of “human dignity” and “democracy” in rural Oregon. However, its involvement in local affairs, particularly in Josephine County, raises concerns about its influence on school board elections and the potential misalignment with community values.
1. Ideological Influence in Education
ROP’s progressive agenda may lead to the promotion of curricula that emphasize certain social justice perspectives, potentially sidelining traditional educational priorities. This shift could result in:
- Curriculum Changes: Introducing materials that focus on specific ideological viewpoints, which might not reflect the community’s educational preferences.
- Policy Shifts: Advocating for policies that prioritize activism over academic excellence, potentially impacting the quality of education.
2. Undermining Parental Rights
By supporting candidates aligned with their views, ROP may influence decisions that:
- Limit Parental Input: Reduce the role of parents in shaping school policies and curricula, leading to decisions that do not reflect the desires of the majority of families.
- Promote Controversial Policies: Implement policies on sensitive issues without adequate community consultation, causing division and dissatisfaction among parents.
3. Lack of Transparency and Accountability
ROP’s involvement in school board elections might lead to:
- Closed Decision-Making Processes: Decisions made without sufficient public input, reducing transparency and accountability.
- Agenda-Driven Policies: Implementing policies that serve specific ideological goals rather than the broader educational needs of students.
Conclusion: Preserving Educational Integrity in Josephine County
While community involvement is essential, it is crucial that school board members prioritize the educational well-being of students over external ideological agendas. Voters in Josephine County should critically assess the backgrounds and affiliations of school board candidates to ensure they represent the community’s values and are committed to providing a balanced, high-quality education.
By electing representatives who reflect the community’s priorities, Josephine County can maintain an educational environment that respects diverse viewpoints and focuses on academic excellence.