The Oregonian was absolutely right to endorse Ruth Adkins for Portland
School Board. Portland is a fantastic place to live, and it should have a
healthy school system to reflect that.

I cringe to think of the great elementary schools like Smith and Edwards that closed, forcing parents who once believed in the public school system to look elsewhere. My family
almost faced the same reality when Rieke Elementary was on the chopping
block.

Thankfully, my daughter will enter Rieke in the fall, thanks to the energy and motivation of Adkins and a bunch of parents who worked so hard to show the school board that closing a vibrant, high-achieving school is detrimental to the community and the school system.

I just don't get the sense that Adkins' opponent is in touch with parents and
teachers, nor has spent much time in a public school lately. Adkins has three
children in elementary, middle and high school and has spent countless hours
volunteering in and championing these schools.

We need a board member who is not afraid to engage the community when it comes to making tough decisions. Adkins has the experience, the smarts and the energy for the job. I want my tax dollars under her watch.

HEATHER HAWKINS, co-founder, ReadySetMom.com, Southwest Portland

__________________________________________________________________________


I was so pleased to read your endorsement of Ruth Adkins for the Portland School
Board. I have been involved with her on several school-related matters and find her to be knowledgeable and thoughtful in every way.

Her rigorous intellect will be a welcome addition to the board, as well as her positive
vision for the school district's future.

While Doug Morgan seems to be a decent fellow, I have been very unimpressed with his hands-off manner of dealing with the difficult subject matter that comes before the school board.

Thanks again for endorsing Ruth Adkins. I am confident you made the right decision.

SUSAN CRABTREE, Portland Public Schools parent, Northeast Portland

___________________________________________________________________________

Portland's children, Portland's voters and Portland's neighborhoods are lucky to have Ruth Adkins as a candidate for the Portland School Board.

As a long-time teacher, I view Adkins as remarkably qualified through her experience, beliefs and personal qualities. In her 10 years as an active volunteer in school and community organizations, Adkins' collaborative style works for the benefit of all.

Driven by a relentless desire for high-quality schools throughout Portland, Adkins devotes countless hours to this cause. As a Portland School Board member, she would bring exceptional intelligence, ability and integrity to every task. She would do her best to choose the superintendent our children deserve - one who will stick around until the job is done.

AMY MEABE, Southwest Portland

______________________________________________________________________

I am a parent of two children. One attends our neighborhood school, Stephenson Elementary. The other attends a focus option school, Winterhaven.

I have met with Ruth Adkins on several occasions. I support her because she is supportive of focus option schools and strong neighborhood schools. She has a passion to
make all Portland schools better.

When tough decisions have to be made, it is not an excuse for making bad decisions. I believe the current school board has made bad decisions in closing neighborhood schools
and forcing schools to conform to one-size-fits-all.

The district has many smart, creative parents who want to participate in decisions that lead to changes in neighborhoods and schools. Adkins also supports this
bottom-up decision making. We can make great decisions that unite and benefit our communities when given a chance.

SHARON KEAST, Southwest