D21 School Board to interview three candidates for vacant seat on Monday
By Tom Peterson
The North Wasco County School Board is scheduled to interview three candidates for the vacant zone 1 position on Monday, March 7th at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting will be streamed live on the District’s YouTube Channel here.
The appointment is necessary as Board member Rebecca Thistlethwaite left the zone 1 post in January.
Thistlethwaite was elected in May 2021 to a four-year term and had three years left to serve.
Whoever is appointed will complete the next 15 months of service on the board and then be required to run in the May 2023 election. They would have to win a majority of the popular vote to complete the final two years of the term.
Three people have applied for the position, and they will be interviewed at the Board’s work session on Monday.
At the conclusion of the interviews, the Board could appoint the applicant of their choosing and swear them in.
The following are the candidates and the information they provided the district in their application for the position:
In alphabetical order
Bill Ketchum
Bill Ketchum
Please tell us why you would like to be a member of the North Wasco County School District Board of Directors:
Having grown up in this community, I want to give back in ways that others did for me. I want to continue the positive path that the school district is on and use my experiences to enhance that path. My construction background both in vertical construction and heavy civil is a strong positive as the district looks to upgrade its facilities.
As a member of the MCMC Board of Trustees, I want to explore ways that the 2 largest employers in the area can work together to produce talented individuals to satisfy the shortages of employees needed at MCMC as well as provide programs like the Dufur school district is promoting this summer for construction type education.
Please tell us about any previous experience you have had on a School Board or other service organization Board (if any):
• St. Mary's School Board for 4 years, with one year as the chair
• Member of Cherry City Volleyball board
• MCMC Board of Trustees, currently
Please tell us what goals you would like to see for School District 21:
• New high school campus/school buildings
• Programs that are a conduit for the construction field - Like BTI Dufur June 2022
• Programs that are a conduit for health care tied into MCMC
Adrian Lopez
Adrian Lopez
Please tell us why you would like to be a member of the North Wasco County School District Board of Directors:
I would like to help shape and improve schools in district #21.
Please tell us about any previous experience you have had on a School Board or other service organization Board (if any):
I have been on the board directors for the Teamsters Local Union 670 for 2 years.
Please tell us what goals you would like to see for School District 21:
Improved infrastructure and safety for kids and staff.
Mary Morehouse
Mary Morehouse
Please tell us why you would like to be a member of the North Wasco County School District Board of Directors:
I have devoted my adult life to helping kids succeed in the classroom through many volunteer hours across most of the schools. This seems a great way to continue.
Please tell us about any previous experience you have had on a School Board or other service organization Board (if any):
I am treasurer of the Booster Club. I have led many volunteer groups relating to the education
and well-being of our students.
Please tell us what goals you would like to see for School District 21:
I would like to see better community relations. I would like a board that works with the students and community in a more cohesive, positive manner. I would like to see students and their core education being put above all else including policy, procedure and politics.
Zone 1 covers the area west of Chenowith creek to Mosier, indicated in green above.
