Salem-Keizer School District 24J
Director, Zone 5

CRAIG ALAN SMITH

OCCUPATION:

Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer at Chemeketa Community College

OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Adjunct Professor - Willamette University

Lt. Commander - U.S. Coast Guard

Certified Public Accountant - Managing Partner, local CPA firm

Police Officer - San Jose, CA

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Northwest Nazarene University - BA - Business Admin.

Willamette University - MBA - Business and Public Admin.

Willamette University - Doctor Jurisprudence - Law

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE:

Salem Keizer School Board

Chair, Oregon School Boards Assn.

Chair, Oregon Fair Dismissal Appeals Board

Member, House Interim Committee on School Finance

Member, Joint Legislative Committee on Education Service
District

Member, Governonrs Taskforce on Revenue

As the parent of school-aged children I know that their well-being as well as the futures of children across the district depend upon how well be provide quality education opportunities for each one of them. As a former police officer, I know that, in partnership with community law-enforcement, we must ensure their safety at school. And, as a certified public accountant, I know that we must be vigilant and frugal with public funds.

These values guide my service as a Salem-Keizer school board member. I believe in rewarding professionals upon whom we rely for delivering our most important public good, but I also believe in holding people accountable for meeting those responsibilities. The states second largest school district is a very complex organization and we must avoid making simplistic decisions that provoke unintended consequences rather than meaningful results. Decisions based on values combined with informed experience provides leadership upon which this community can rely.

Lack of resources is not an excuse for inaction. Our students must have a fighting chance to weather our uncertain financial future. Scarce resources must be wisely spent on the most essential educational programs, but what is essential for some children may not meet the needs of others. All students must have the opportunity to succeed. If you agree that all students must be prepared to access post-secondary opportunities and family wage jobs, I welcome your vote.

(This information furnished by Craig Alan Smith

and is printed exactly as submitted.)