OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Equipment Engineer; Technician

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Salem Academy, High School Diploma, 1979; Chemeketa Community College, AS Degree Electronic Engineering, 1981; George Fox College

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Central Howell School Board, 1995-1997; Silver Falls School Board, 1997-present

I have worked to ensure that all the district’s schools are represented, while understanding the unique needs of each school, student and family that is a part of it. To reinforce this, the board positions were zoned to ensure that the board had representation throughout the district. Each school is an important part of its community and we need to ensure that it continues to be so.

I have a commitment to keep the Silver Falls School District fiscally responsible. To that end we now have a self-supporting food service program, we have sold unusable property, we have made difficult decisions regarding staff and programs and have refinanced the debt at the Pine Street campus, saving tax payers hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am committed that your tax dollars will be spent wisely, maximizing the value for our student’s education.

Because each school’s needs are different, the budgeting process is complex. I have encouraged the communities to remain active in defining the needs of its school. The district needs to attempt to meet the needs of its constituents through the budget process, listening to their input. I encourage the local site committees to be active in establishing the budgets and allocation of dollars.

Finally, I have been an advocate of strong traditional education. Our student achievement has been steadily improving, and our district has been repeatedly recognized by the state as having strong academic performance.

I bring to the district a proven track record in managing large budgets, making policy, managing people and projects, and identifying and correcting problems. I appreciate the privilege I have had to serve on the Silver Falls School Board the past four years and am looking forward to continuing to serve our community.

(This information furnished by Wally Lierman