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Kathy Wai

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Kathy Wai
Image of Kathy Wai
Prior offices
North Clackamas School District 12 school board Position 5

Education

High school

St. Mary's Academy

Bachelor's

Portland State University

Contact

Kathy Wai is an at-large representative on the North Clackamas School District school board in Oregon. Wai won a first term in the at-large general election on May 16, 2017.

Biography

Wai's professional experience includes working for Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, and the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon. She earned a B.S. in community health education from Portland State University and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy.[1]

Elections

2017

See also: North Clackamas School District elections (2017)

Three of the seven seats on the North Clackamas School District school board in Oregon were up for at-large general election on May 16, 2017. Position 4 incumbent Tory McVay filed for re-election and defeated challenger Jill Jackson. Two newcomers filed for the open Position 5 seat: Kathy Wai and Karelia Harding, with Wai winning the seat. Position 6 incumbent Mitzi Bauer ran unopposed and won another term.[2][3]

Results

North Clackamas School District,
Position 5 General Election, 4-year term, 2017
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.png Kathy Wai 64.44% 6,945
Karelia Harding 34.98% 3,770
Write-in votes 0.58% 63
Total Votes 10,778
Source: Clackamas County, "Special District Election," accessed June 12, 2017

Funding

Campaign Finance Ballotpedia.png
See also: Campaign finance requirements in Oregon and List of school board campaign finance deadlines in 2017

The filing deadline in Oregon for a campaign transaction is typically no later than 30 calendar days. However, beginning on the 42nd day before an election day and through the date of the election, a transaction is due no later than seven calendar days after the date it occurred. The dates for the beginning and ending of the seven-day reporting period for the 2017 Oregon school board elections were:[4]

  • April 4, 2017 (Seven day campaign finance reporting begins)
  • May 16, 2017 (Seven day campaign finance reporting ends)

A school board candidate in Oregon must form a candidate committee unless he or she meets all of the following conditions:[5][6]

  1. The candidate elects to serve as his or her own treasurer.
  2. The candidate does not have an existing candidate committee.
  3. The candidate does not expect to receive or spend more than $750 during a calendar year (including personal funds).

A candidate committee must file a Statement of Organization with the Elections Division of the Oregon Secretary of State within three business days of first receiving or spending money. A form including campaign account information must accompany the Statement of Organization.[5][7]

Candidate committees that expect to receive or spend $3,500 or more in a calendar year are required to report all transactions. A committee that does not expect to receive or spend this much is still required to file a Statement of Organization and designate a campaign bank account, but does not have to file transactions. Instead, they must file a Certificate of Limited Contributions and Expenditures.[5][8]

Endorsements

Wai received an official endorsement from the Clackamas Democrats.[9]

Campaign themes

2017

Wai listed the following as priorities on her campaign website:

Early learning

Not enough students entering kindergarten are ready or prepared in the classroom. The early years are critical in shaping a student’s social and emotional development, and their educational experience. Early childhood education is a priority, and parents want resources and support. Services such as Head Start, Ready for Kindergarten programs, early intervention, and coaching need to be readily available for families in our district. Kathy has worked with families of all backgrounds in Clackamas, Washington, and Multnomah County, connecting them with valuable resources and information.

Equity and Inclusion

Diversity is a strength that enhances our district and the greater community. Kathy will promote a safe environment for all students so that they can thrive and be successful. In particular, students who identify as immigrant, refugee, LGTBQ, English Language learners, and those in special education need to be heard and supported. Training and practices need to be up-to-date so that we have the knowledge, skills, and compassion to support vulnerable populations.

College and career

As a first generation college graduate, Kathy wants to prepare Oregon’s students to excel in college and the workplace. Programs like ASPIRE, that helps students plan and pay for college, are one of the keys to student success. High school students want options to explore and discover their interests and passions. They also need skills to succeed in the 21st century. Kathy supports places like the Sabin-Schellenberg professional training center in Milwaukie, and will work hard to enhance its programs.

School and Community Partnerships

Having worked in the nonprofit sector for a decade, Kathy knows how to build effective partnerships between schools, neighborhoods, and community organizations. After-school programs that focus on academic or social support enrich student learning. Neighborhood activities that promote community building and inclusivity are good for families. Community organizations that provide social services help parents outside the classroom. Kathy will involve parents, community-based organizations, and schools to create stronger partnerships. [10]

—Kathy Wai (2017)[11]

See also

External links

Footnotes