In the third of three articles featuring a question-and-answer format with Philomath School Board candidates, Erin Gudge shares her perspectives on various topics.
Gudge, a brand design manager, is the lone candidate for Position 4 on the board.
The Benton County Elections office planned to begin mailing out ballots this week for the May 20 special election.
The Philomath News invited all five candidates to participate in the Q-and-A in an effort to provide more insight to voters.
Each candidate had a strict 100-word limit for each question (answers that exceeded 100 words were edited) and was invited to submit a photo of their choosing.
School Board candidate Q-and-A with Klipfel and Konkler
In the first of three articles featuring a question-and-answer format with Philomath School Board candidates, Tom Klipfel and Kerin Konkler share their perspectives on various topics. Klipfel, a retired supply chain professional, and Konkler, a family nurse practitioner, are vying for Position 1 on the board. The position carries a four-year term. The Benton County…
School Board candidate Q-and-A with McMullen, Muir and Smith
In the second of three articles featuring a question-and-answer format with Philomath School Board candidates, Erin McMullen, Troy Muir and Todd Smith share their perspectives on various topics. Up for the Position 3 position on the board are McMullen, a local farmer and business owner; Muir, a local business owner; and Smith, a farm manager.…
Q1: What is your experience with education or public service, and how has it prepared you for this role?
“I have served on the PSD Board since 2021. I have volunteered in the district since 2006. I have spent the last 13 years working for nonprofit service-focused organizations. Being of service is deeply important to me. My experiences in the district and community as well as my professional experience and education in leadership have prepared me to serve our district for another four years.”
Q2: How will you measure the success of our schools beyond standardized test scores?
“Data is important in making informed decisions. We have the gift of a district small enough that storytelling and firsthand accounts are part of the data we consider. Test scores are a snapshot, you need context and background more than that to see the full story and truly know the people.”
Q3: What is your approach to school safety, including both physical security and student mental health?
“Keep our students and staff safe means ensuring that policy and budget support staffing, training and infrastructure. It requires accountability, communication and adaptability. I joined the district safety committee to listen and do what I can within my role to support district safety. Student mental health is a priority area. We have fantastic school counselors, but they need support. We need to ensure our students feel safe in their schools and in their identity. Behavioral issues are increasing. We need policy, procedure and sufficient training to address the issues safely and promptly.”
Q4: How will you ensure equity and inclusion for all students, including those with special needs or from marginalized communities?
“As a member of the policy committee, I approach every policy through an equity lens, trying to understand and anticipate how those fundamental decisions can affect positive change for our students. Identity is intersectional, no one exists in a singular category. It is important to recognize the downstream effect of our decision-making as a board and how our actions and inactions impact student outcomes and staff satisfaction.”
Q5: How do you plan to handle budgeting and funding decisions, especially in times of financial constraints?
“I have been a member of the budget committee for four years. Ensuring the district is fiscally sound is one of the primary responsibilities of a school board. To be blunt, we are always in times of financial constraints. Schools never have enough money to do everything they want and need to do. The budget must be aligned with the strategic goals of our district. This means making painful decisions at times. I am always seeking creative solutions and new funding opportunities for the district.”
