There are now three candidates running for an open seat on the Eugene 4J School Board. Long-time board member Beth Gerot is not running again for position 3.
Judy Newman filed Friday. She founded and co-directs the Early Childhood CARES program, which serves children with disabilities. She also teaches at the University of Oregon. Newman says she’s passionate about public education, calling it the foundation of our democracy.
Newman: “I see public school as being the access point, a place where every student, every child, can have the opportunity to be successful in life. And so, I think, in these times, I’m feeling like some of that might be threatened and that we need strong voices.”
Newman says she was inspired to run for the board seat when she heard Democratic Congressman Peter DeFazio encourage people to get involved in local politics. Mary Leighton and Jerry Rosiek are also running for position 3 on the 4J board in the May primary.
