Finishing Strong

The fate of Newberg’s future is now only five days away. That might seem hyperbolic, but we sincerely believe that the May 16 school board election will decide what our community will look like going forward: Will our children get the education they deserve, and will families decide Newberg is a safe place to live? Or will Newberg schools continue to struggle with inadequate board leadership, causing even more families to choose another community where their children can flourish? 

We are hoping (and some of us, praying) that the election results will set Newberg on a new course. No matter what happens, though, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work of so many people in our community, driven by their love for Newberg’s and Dundee’s children. Without the organizers, the canvassers, the letter writers, and the supporters, the cause of a better school board would be lost. 

That kind of commitment gives us hope.

And there’s still time to make a difference!

On Saturday morning, canvassers will be walking our neighborhoods, reaching out to voters who haven’t yet submitted a ballot. Canvassing with Oregon Cares PAC runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you can find out more information here.

After canvassing, there will be a rally at the Newberg flag pole, sponsored by the Newberg Education Association. Our teachers have been on the front lines the past two years, seeing first-hand how the current school board has undermined their work, disparaged them during meetings, even accusing them of indoctrination (at least according to election materials). 

The NEA “Get Out the Vote” rally runs from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday. Bring your families and your signs, and celebrate the tremendous efforts our teachers have made, against all odds. 

The canvassing and the rally can be one way to reflect a unified vision for Newberg, as so many of us, from diverse ideological perspectives, have joined forces because we care for our children, for our community, and for our future.

We acknowledge that whatever happens on May 16, there will be a lot of work to be done. But, we want to affirm that because we are better together, our combined efforts will make Newberg schools a place where all children can flourish again.