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John Branam: Strong Values, Bold Leadership

[photo: American flag on wall]

Education

Strengthening our schools is the lynchpin of my platform. Strong schools are the core of our neighborhoods and essential for businesses to locate and stay here. Moreover, the 8,000+ jobs supported by our schools are significant to Portland’s economy.

As a former middle school teacher, a program director for a rigorous out-of-school academic enrichment program for impoverished kids and, more recently, as the Director of Development for Portland Public Schools, I thoroughly understand the challenges and opportunities our schools have. It is my vision and goal that Portland will be as well known for the quality of our 21st century education as we are for our forward-thinking initiatives in land-use, sustainability and public transportation.

A More Active and Supportive Role for City Council

I believe that the city government’s role in supporting schools must be more active, dramatic and supportive. Certainly, the City was instrumental in providing a much-needed cash infusion to Portland Public Schools last year. And, I was heartened that Mayor Potter moved his office to Jefferson High for a week to give students an inside look at city government—and vice versa. But we need to do more, and be more strategic.

[photo: school chalkboard]

The City can and should convene a community-wide conversation on education in Portland. It is simply unacceptable that our school superintendents, community college presidents, university administrators, City Commissioners and key non-profit leaders do not routinely come together to discuss their vision for education. Essential to this conversation are questions like:

I want to help chart a discussion and course so we become known as “The City that Learns!”

Equality and Opportunity

As a lower middle-class black kid who grew up in Corvallis’ public schools, I understand the challenges to securing quality education. But I also know first-hand the opportunities it can provide.

I look forward to supporting another five-year funding cycle for the voter-approved Children’s Investment Fund. This tax levy generates $10 million annually to support children from birth through high school, offering services that help break the cycle of poverty.

Further, I am excited to push forward programs to better support and provide stability for working class families. These are critical to many young students’ successes. As a future City Commissioner, I will work diligently to provide the collaborative and visionary leadership to bring about more affordable housing. I also will continue to work with school districts and encourage creative funding strategy that incorporate public housing into new school designs, and will work with school districts to develop funding mechanisms to assist new teachers in becoming first-time home owners within the immediate proximity of their schools.

Read more of John's thoughts on these and other issues.

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