03 Apr PCUNs’ 2025 Salem Keizer School Board Candidate Endorsements
Every year PCUN interviews candidates and gives endorsements to those who have values that align with the spirit of si se puede! PCUN endorsed these candidates because they share our vision of a school board that engages with racial justice organizations, BIPOC youth, parent and school advocates, educators, labor, and community leaders.
PCUN is a member of the Community for Salem Keizer Schools. This is a coalition of like minded groups who are working to ensure our school board is stocked with candidates who are active members of the Salem Keizer Community who will fight for all students & educators.
Lisa Harnisch (She/Her) Zone 1
Building bridges for the future of the children in our community.
- Literacy – Focusing on improving student success in 3rd grade reading levels.
- Input & Community Engagement – Listening & engaging with teachers, parents, & students.
- Safety & Belonging – Prioritizing filling resource gaps, so students from all backgrounds are supported.
- Academic Achievement – Committing to career & technical education along with STEM & Arts.
Lisa has lived in Salem for 30 years and raised two kids in the Salem Keizer public school system. Lisa has served on the Budget committee, Co-chair for the facilities task force, and Co-chair for the committee directing the successful school bond which provided funding to enhance all of our school buildings.
Angelo Arredondo Baca (He/Him) Zone 3
Proud son of Mexican Immigrants committed to creating a better life for the children of working families.
- Meeting Basic Needs – Ensuring students are set up for success from the ground up. Working toward full bellies & safe homes to create an environment where learning thrives.
- Student Safety – Reducing class size to manageable amounts so no child goes unnoticed.
- Equitable Education Investments – All children deserve the tools they need to thrive regardless of background or family income.
Born & raised in Salem, Angelo is a success story from Zone 3 schools. Angelo is from a working class family, the son of farmworkers and embodies family values as the educational guardian of his sister, a Junior in Zone 3. Angelo has advocated for underrepresented students at the state level through his work as the outreach coordinator for the Oregon Community Table on Post Secondary Education & Training (OCTPET). He’s running for School Board because he wants to keep serving our kids, especially those who are underrepresented.
Karina Guzmán Ortiz (She/Her) Zone 5
Committed to delivering quality education, safe & welcoming learning & working environments, & listening to parents’ & community members' needs.
- Quality Schools – Retaining experienced teachers, ensuring alternative learning like technical education, and providing student mental health services are critical to student success outcomes.
- Safe Learning & Working Environments – Educators and Students alike deserve a responsive system that prioritizes both physical safety as well as protection from discrimination & bullying.
- Leading with Care – Focusing on, Attendance, 3rd Grade Reading Levels, 9th Graders on Track to HighSchool Graduation, and Student Sense of Belonging.
Karina is running for reelection as the proud mother of two students in the district and the daughter of Mexican Immigrants. She is a talented graduate from the Salem Keizer School District who went on to earn her Masters in Social Work. Karina is driven to run again by her deep commitment to our schools and the children, families and educators who rely on them. “Together, we have more work to do.” – Karina
Mel Fuller (She/Her) Zone 7
Dedicated school volunteer committed to bringing positive change to our schools.
- Literacy – Reading should be more than a benchmark, I want to create environments where kids can fall in love with reading.
- Sense of Belonging – Initiatives to ensure all students feel safe and connected. Our students and educators deserve to be their true selves and experience a supportive community in our schools.
- Community Building – Every child needs to feel like they have an adult cheering them on and believing in their success.
Mel is the parent of two amazing children at Title 1 schools in the district. She is an avid classroom volunteer. You will find Mel helping in Math Class, running the Scholastic Book Fair or running the concession stand as president of the Parrish Parent Club. Mel knows what our schools need from the inside and is ready to fight for families and educators.
Not sure which candidate is in your zone? In Salem-Keizer you get to vote in EVERY zone! Make sure you vote for all the candidates listed here. Make sure you and your friends are registered to vote and submit your ballot by 5pm on May 20th 2025.
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