Five Bend-La Pine School Board candidates announce slate, file candidacies for May election

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A united slate of five mostly incumbent candidates announced Thursday their joint campaign for the Bend-La Pine School Board in the upcoming May special election and filed their paperwork together at the Deschutes County Clerk's Office.

Here's their announcement, in full:

Marcus LeGrand, Kina Chadwick, Shirley Olson, Ross Tomlin, and Jenn Lynch said they are running together to continue their collaborative work and bring strong, experienced leadership to Bend-La Pine Schools.

Having worked together effectively in previous years, this team has built a foundation of trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to the success of every student in the district. The incumbents are joined by Jenn Lynch, who brings fresh energy, proven leadership in education advocacy, and deep government and nonprofit board experience. The slate is ready to build on its progress and address the challenges ahead.

The campaign will officially kick off on March 6th with a community event to introduce the candidates, share their vision, and invite the public to join their efforts. Details about the event will be announced soon.

Meet the Candidates:

• Marcus LeGrand (Zone 2): A dedicated advocate for equity and inclusion, Marcus has been a strong voice for students and families, ensuring every child is safe and can thrive. Marcus is the Chair of the Bend-La Pine School Board.

• Kina Chadwick (Zone 7): Currently serving on the Bend-La Pine Schools Board, a passionate educator and community leader, Kina has worked tirelessly to promote equitable access to education and resources for all students and to ensure teachers and staff thrive in an engaging atmosphere.
  
• Shirley Olson (Zone 4): Currently serving on the Bend-La Pine School Board, and a longtime advocate for public education, Shirley has been a steady and trusted presence, championing student success and community engagement.
  
• Ross Tomlin (Zone 6): Currently serving on the Bend-La Pine School Board, Ross has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to fiscal responsibility and academic excellence.
  
• Jenn Lynch (Zone 1): Joining the slate, Jenn Lynch is a seasoned leader in public and nonprofit board governance with a professional background in small business finance, committed to creating the conditions for academic success.

A Shared Vision for Bend-La Pine Schools

The candidates are united by their belief in the power of public education to transform lives and communities. Their priorities include:

• Increasing student achievement and reducing academic disparities
• Ensuring every student is met where they are. 
• Fostering a safe and welcoming learning environment where teachers, staff, and students are valued.
• Strengthening partnerships between schools, families, and the community.
• Promoting fiscal responsibility and transparency in district decision-making.