Text of press release announcing the launch of Ruth's campaign:

Longtime schools activist Ruth Adkins to enter race for School Board

Ruth Adkins, a 43-year-old mother and research analyst known citywide for her tireless advocacy on behalf of Portland schools, will file this Wednesday as a candidate for the Portland School Board from Zone 1 in the May 15 citywide election.

At 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, a group of family and supporters will join Adkins as she files at the Multnomah County Elections Office, 1040 SE Morrison St., in Portland.

Adkins states: “I am very excited to bring new energy to the School Board. If elected, I will work in partnership with the community, Portland Public Schools teachers and staff, the Superintendent, and the School Board to reach our common goal — outstanding schools for every child in this city.”

As a Portland School Board member, Ruth Adkins will:

• Foster open, collaborative decision making involving the community
• Ensure equal opportunities for all students in all neighborhoods
• Support initiatives to increase school enrollment and strengthen neighborhoods

Adkins has over a decade of experience and involvement with schools citywide. She has served as a PTA president and board member, and as a classroom volunteer in her three children’s schools; was a founding member of the Neighborhood Schools Alliance; is active in the Hillsdale Neighborhood Association and the Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. schools committee; has volunteered on many local school funding campaigns and has lobbied continually for adequate funding from Salem. She works part-time as a market research analyst for Campbell DeLong Resources, Inc.

Early endorsers of Ruth Adkins for School Board include:

• Sue Hagmeier, former School Board member
• Mike Roach, owner, Paloma Clothing
• Amanda Fritz, former City Council candidate and community activist
• Don Baack, SW community leader
• Nancy Smith, member, Jefferson High School site council
• Rick Nitti, executive director, Neighborhood House
• Nancy Clark, Humboldt neighborhood leader
• Lakeitha Elliott, Vernon Elementary School parent
• Sharon Ross, president, Mt. Tabor Middle School PTA

…and a rapidly growing list of parents, teachers, and neighbors throughout the city.

Stay tuned for more information on Ruth Adkins and her campaign, coming soon!