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South Lane School Board
Oregon school districts are governed by locally elected boards. In South Lane School District, there are seven board members, all of whom are volunteers and not paid for their time. Members are elected to four-year terms and must reside in the school district.
The School Board is the policy-making body of the District. It is responsible for providing an education program for students in South Lane School District. Its responsibilities include:
- Employ and evaluate the Superintendent
- Determine the long range direction and vision of the District
- Establish policies that direct instructional and support programs
- Approve the Annual Budget
- Call for elections on bond and other funding proposals
- Ensure that Board policies and priorities are implemented
- Communicate and engage with the community
- Advocate for education with local and state leaders
- Recognize staff and community contributions
- Approve large contracts and agreements including those with employee groups
To become a School Board Member, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the state and district, which include being a U.S. citizen, a South Lane School District resident, and at least 18 years old. Interested individuals should familiarize themselves with the responsibilities of the role, including setting district policies, approving budgets, and overseeing the superintendent. Visit the Lane County Elections website for the required forms and deadlines to file for candidacy- A Special Election in May is held. Additionally, our Board Policy provides more detailed information about the expectations for board members, and the Oregon School Boards Association offers resources and guidance to help prospective candidates understand the duties and processes involved. Please find the link to our Board Policy here: BBB Board Elections, as well as to the Oregon School Boards Association and Lane County Elections for more in-depth information.
Board Members
Position 1
Tammy Hodgkinson
tammy.hodgkinson@slane.k12.or.us
Term expires June 2027
Position 2
Taylor Wilhour-Board Chair
taylor.wilhour@slane.k12.or.us
Term expires June 2025
Position 3
Duane Taddei
duane.taddei@slane.k12.or.us
Term expires June 2027
Position 4
Sherry Duerst-Higgins
sherry@duerst-higgins.com
Term expires June 2025
Position 5
Colleen Valley- Board Vice Chair
Colleen.Valley@slane.k12.or.us
Term expires June 2025
Position 6
Joe Tucker
joseph.tucker@slane.k12.or.us
Term expires June 2027
Position 7
Jeff Gowing
jeffrey.gowing@slane.k12.or.us
Term expires June 2025
Student Representative to the Board
Leland Whiterock
Student Representative to the Board
Victor Rodriguez