EDITOR’S NOTE: The May 18th ballot features dozens of opportunities to serve your community on local boards for our schools, ports, transportation district, recreation districts, water districts, fire districts and more. There is not a voters pamphlet for a primary/special election, therefore the Pioneer provides this opportunity for candidates to tell voters about themselves and the position they are seeking, even if running unopposed.
Tillamook County Pioneer CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT – 5 minute “why we should vote for you” pitch; include information about why you are running for the position and your TOP 3 most-important-issues facing the board/organization you wish to serve on.
MEET THE CANDIDATE: Kari Fleisher, Neah-Kah-Nie School District #56, Director Zone 3
Thank you, Tillamook County Pioneer, for providing a comprehensive voter resource to Tillamook County Voters!
I am running unopposed in this election for the NKN School Board Zone #3 Director for the Neah-Kah-Nie School District #56. I am truly honored to work with such a collaborative school district that supports its students, parents, staff, and taxpayers. When I was appointed in 2019 and elected in 2020, I had no idea that a massive pandemic was in the midst. I would have to make such important decisions that would profoundly affect the education of the students at NKN. As a board, we had to transition to online meetings with more than 100 attendees. It has provided valuable insight and opportunities for improvement.
Personally, I am thankful for the foresight of current and former NKN Board members who invested in technology. It allowed for a smoother transition to hybrid learning via purchasing Chromebooks for all students. NKN prides itself on staff development and continuous improvement.
As a former Valedictorian and graduate from the Neah-Kah-Nie School district, I want to ensure the enrichment of the lives of our current and future students of our community. There are plenty of challenges in the years ahead. My top four are selecting our next superintendent, providing a top-notch education to every student, continually balancing fiscal responsibility, and adapting to change.
My personal philosophy is to never stop learning. When NKN students began in hybrid learning this past fall 2020, I enrolled in an online MBA program with my alma mater, Southern Oregon University. I am currently on track to graduate this Fall 2021. I have already gained so much appreciation for online education and the effort it takes to do so. It genuinely speaks volumes for the staff and education system at NKN to accomplish this, along with parents, grandparents, and non-profits that stepped up to provide guidance. This, to me, is the best example of it takes a village to raise a child.
Thank you for allowing me to continue to give back to NKN! Please feel free to reach out – contact information provided at https://nknsd.org/school-board/board-members/
Respectfully
Kari Fleisher