The Skanner News Endorsements for Schools

Nothing is more important than what happens in schools. Our children need advocates to make sure they have better opportunities to succeed in life.

Maggie Brister-Mashia is CEO of Brister Associates a staffing and recruitment agency. That she manages her own agency speaks to her considerable energy, talent and financial acumen. But more importantly, she would be a voice for the minority youth in our city who badly need an advocate on our school board. A graduate of Jefferson High School, she has volunteered with the Blazer Boys and Girls Clubs, Loaves and Fishes and at Jefferson. Ms. Brister-Mashia intimately understands the struggles of students of color to achieve, and would help bring about policy changes that would support equal educational opportunities for all. Those who know her work have no hesitation in endorsing her and it is notable that they include: County Commissioner Loretta Smith, former Sen. Margaret Carter, former Sen. Avel Gordly, County Commsioner Diane McKeel, and Self Enhancement Inc. founder and CEO Tony Hopson. We urge our readers to vote for Ms. Brister-Mashia.

Let's face it, the job of managing Multnomah Educational Service District is not glamorous. That's one reason why we have enormous respect for those who volunteer to do this essential work. Youth of color are disproportionately placed in special education. Those are the students served by the educational service districts. We urge you to vote for Gary Hollands as Director for Position 5, Zone 1. Hollands is the CEO of USA Junk. He has managed to build a successful business out of the things we simply throw away. In fact, Hollands is the epitome of a self-made success: hardworking, resourceful, smart and community minded. He will bring his considerable business and financial intelligence to the position, along with a strong commitment to the welfare of our children. This is the kind of man we need at Multnomah Educational Service District.
That's why The Skanner News is endorsing Maggie Brister-Mashia for Portland Public School Board, Director Zone 2. And that's why we are endorsing Gary Hollands for Multnomah Education Service District, Director Position 5, Zone 1.