Fulfill the Promise of Public Education

Roy raised four kids through Oregon's public schools. He loves learning, and he believes that one of the most powerful things we can do for a child is get them curious and keep them that way. As a father, public servant, and Oregonian, one of Roy's guiding principles is that the goal of raising a child is to guide them from dependence to independence — to build up their strength and skills so they can fly with their own wings.

Our public schools are not doing that well enough. Oregon's fourth graders rank near the bottom of the nation in both reading and math, gaps that have been widening for nearly two decades. We are spending more per student than most states and getting worse results.

The problem is partly structural. We're running a 19th century system in a 21st century reality. Kids need more than content — they need to know how to think. How to question. How to navigate a financial system that will hand them a credit card before it teaches them what interest means. Every kid should leave school with basic financial literacy. And every kid deserves to graduate knowing how to think for themselves.

The solution is partly local. CTE programs that connect students in Silverton or Molalla to real careers in farming, manufacturing, or healthcare keep talent in this district and give young people a reason to build their lives here. These programs take significant investment from districts and a sustained commitment to building local partnerships. Roy will fight to make sure they get both.