Kasey Adler (Submitted by Brian Geraths photography)

It’s easy amidst the steady waves of election cycles to lose track of elected officials coming and going in our city. But five months ago, with an 8-year-old in elementary school as I thought about the future of our school board, the departure of Liz Hartman provided me an important moment for reflection. I asked myself who could follow with the same level of care to make sure our district can take on future challenges objectively and collaboratively. As I reflected and then looked forward, I realized that it’s not just Liz’s institutional memory that would be missed. It’s a deep understanding of this community and the challenges — and opportunities — facing public education today. School board seats aren’t ceremonial roles. Our schools are going to be confronting increasingly complex issues, from declining budgets and enrollment to flagging proficiency scores.

Here I am, five months later having made a list of compelling reasons not to run for office and reflecting on the reasons why I got into this race.

Lake Oswego is my hometown. I’ve lived here for more than 20 years, both as a student and now as a parent of a second grader. I want my son’s generation to benefit from the same amazing experience in our schools that I did. I bring a professional background in finance and risk management, along with years of board experience. I’ve been appointed to the Clackamas County Economic Development Commission as well as to our city’s Middle Housing Task Force. I’ve been elected chair of the LO Transportation Advisory Board and served on our Schools Foundation Board for more than five years raising money for teacher jobs and course offerings. I’ve been appointed by our school board to its Westridge Advisory Committee and coached numerous baseball and basketball teams. I care deeply about this community and understand how critical the success of our school district is to the success of our city.

As we all look to fill Liz’s absence, I think that as a community we should prioritize candidates who can meaningfully contribute to addressing the challenges before us. With your help I can bring a trained pair of hands and budgeting expertise to the table. Just as importantly, I think we need board members who can collaborate, disagree respectfully and stay objective in a shared commitment to students. We must keep our eye on the ball — reaching all students and inspiring them to be the best they can be.

Too often, school board elections become referendums on priorities far from the nuts and bolts of successful outcomes for our students. Let’s make Liz’s departure a turning point by demanding excellence from those who follow. We’re at a critical juncture, and the stakes are becoming too high for anything less. A high functioning school board is not just a reflection of good governance; it’s an investment in the future our children deserve.

I ask for your vote on May 20 so that together we can navigate the challenges facing public education and look for every opportunity for all Lake Oswego kids to succeed.

Kasey Adler is running for position 4 on the Lake Oswego School Board.