There are some parts of the job of school board member that can be learned: understanding policies, dissecting complexities of school funding, analyzing educational data. And then there are some characteristics that can’t be taught. Commitment. Compassion. Collaboration. Those are qualities that define Neelam Gupta as she seeks reelection to the school board. I wholeheartedly support her candidacy and urge all Lake Oswego residents to do the same.

Neelam has given her all to our schools and to our kids for many years. There isn’t an aspect of our schools she hasn’t been a part of: from volunteering in school leadership positions at elementary, middle and high schools, to the Schools Foundation board, to chairing the School Levy campaign, and more. It’s no surprise that in the tumultuous summer of 2020 when the school board needed to appoint a member to fill a vacancy, Neelam’s name quickly rose to the top.

Since that time, she has been a quiet, yet powerful force on our school board. Neelam holds the administration and fellow board members to account with fierce advocacy on behalf of all students. She provides wise counsel and sound fiscal oversight to school budgets while remaining strongly focused on academic excellence and the success of all students.

As we face continued uncertain funding, we need Neelam’s leadership to keep our district strong and on track. Please join me and vote to reelect Neelam Gupta to position 2 of the Lake Oswego School Board.

John Wallin

Lake Oswego School Board chair