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Rudie Watzig
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Rudie Watzig ran for election to the Centennial School District 28J school board to represent Position 7 At-Large in Oregon. He lost in the general election on May 20, 2025.
Watzig completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Rudie Watzig was born in Portland, Oregon. He earned a high school diploma from Grant High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon in 2001. His career experience includes working as an IT professional.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: Centennial School District, Oregon, elections (2025)
General election
General election for Centennial School District 28J school board Position 7, At-Large
Incumbent Pam Shields defeated Rudie Watzig in the general election for Centennial School District 28J school board Position 7, At-Large on May 20, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Pam Shields (Nonpartisan)  | 60.4 | 2,383 |
 | Rudie Watzig (Nonpartisan) | 39.0 | 1,538 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.7 | 26 | ||
| Total votes: 3,947 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Watzig received the following endorsements.
Campaign themes
2025
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released April 8, 2025 |
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Rudie Watzig completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Watzig's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Rudie Watzig — a father of three, an IT professional with the State of Oregon, and a community leader deeply invested in the future of our schools. I grew up in Portland and chose to raise my family here because I believe in this community. All three of my sons attend Centennial schools, and I’ve seen both the strengths and the challenges firsthand.
Professionally, I work in technology and operations, where I solve complex problems and lead strategic projects that support the work of public employees and improve internal systems. In my personal life, I’ve helped revive our local youth football program as vice president of the Centennial Youth Football Association, increasing enrollment and restoring community pride. I’m passionate about education, equity, and making sure every child has the opportunity to thrive — not just academically, but through arts, athletics, and extracurriculars that build confidence and character.
I bring a fresh perspective, data-driven decision-making, and a strong desire to make Centennial schools a place families are proud to send their kids. I’m not a career politician — I’m a parent, a neighbor, and someone ready to roll up my sleeves to make a difference.- Academic Excellence Matters We need to raise the bar for student achievement. Every student deserves a high-quality education that challenges them and prepares them for success — whether that means college, a trade, or entering the workforce. I believe we must stop treating college as the only measure of success. Skilled trades are just as valuable, and our schools should reflect that by offering strong CTE programs alongside academic support. As a school board member, I’ll prioritize literacy, math fundamentals, and accountability — because preparing students for the real world means honoring every pathway, not just one.
- Rebuild Community Pride in Our Schools Declining enrollment and low morale are real challenges. I want to make Centennial a district families are proud to be part of. That means strong extracurriculars, after-school programs, and visible support for our staff and students. I’ve done this already with Centennial Youth Football — and I’ll bring that same energy to our schools.
- Fresh Leadership with a Parent’s Perspective I’m not a career politician — I’m a dad with three kids in this district and a public servant who knows how to solve problems. I bring a real-world perspective and a commitment to transparency, smart budgeting, and better outcomes for students. It’s time for new ideas and a school board that reflects the families it serves.
I'm passionate about public policies that strengthen public education, promote transparency, and support student success in all its forms. I believe in equipping students with the academic foundation, critical thinking skills, and opportunities they need to thrive — whether they choose college, the workforce, or a trade. I'm committed to policies that increase accountability and clarity in how school districts make decisions and spend resources. I also care deeply about educational equity — ensuring that all students, regardless of background or ability, have access to the tools and support they need to succeed. Strong schools build strong communities, and good policy makes that possible.
“Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!” by Richard Feynman.
While it’s not a political book in the traditional sense, it captures the spirit of how I approach leadership and decision-making. Feynman was a physicist known for his deep curiosity, independence of thought, and unwillingness to blindly accept authority—qualities I value in public service. This book reflects a philosophy grounded in integrity, evidence-based thinking, and the courage to challenge groupthink. That mindset—always asking why, always seeking to improve—is at the heart of how I serve my community.
While it’s not a political book in the traditional sense, it captures the spirit of how I approach leadership and decision-making. Feynman was a physicist known for his deep curiosity, independence of thought, and unwillingness to blindly accept authority—qualities I value in public service. This book reflects a philosophy grounded in integrity, evidence-based thinking, and the courage to challenge groupthink. That mindset—always asking why, always seeking to improve—is at the heart of how I serve my community.
An elected official should lead with integrity, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people they serve. It’s not about ego or politics — it’s about listening, being accessible, and doing the work, even when it's difficult or unpopular. I believe in being data-driven but people-focused — making decisions based on facts while never losing sight of how policies affect real families. Honesty, humility, and follow-through are critical. Voters should be able to trust that when someone says they’ll fight for students, staff, and the community, they mean it — and they’ll back it up with action.
The core responsibilities of a school board member are to set a clear vision for student success, ensure responsible oversight of the district’s budget, and hold the superintendent accountable for delivering results. It’s also about representing the voices of families, staff, and the broader community — not just during meetings, but every day. Board members must make decisions that put students first, support teachers and staff, and strengthen public confidence in our schools. We are stewards of both educational outcomes and taxpayer dollars, and we must lead with transparency, fairness, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
I was in grade school — I think around 3rd grade — when the Challenger space shuttle launched with the first teacher headed into space. Our class gathered around the TV to watch the launch, which was a big moment in education and history. But instead of celebrating, we witnessed a tragedy. I can still see the images clearly. It was the first time I understood that history isn’t always uplifting — sometimes it’s heartbreaking.
My first “job” was volunteering as a Zoo Teen at the Metro Washington Park Zoo (now the Oregon Zoo) when I was 13. I kept that position for several summers, and it sparked my lifelong curiosity about science and the natural world. Through that experience, I learned the basics of zoology, animal husbandry, and how to engage with the public — including giving educational presentations and helping guests navigate the zoo. It taught me how to work as part of a team, communicate clearly, and take initiative — skills that still shape how I lead today.
The primary job of a school board member is to be a champion for students. Our role is to help ensure every student has access to the best academic outcomes possible by supporting strong teaching, innovative programs, and opportunities that prepare them for the future. School board members must also help build a strong, connected community by listening to parents, staff, and residents, and making decisions that reflect those voices. This is about more than governance — it’s about creating positive outcomes through student-centered leadership that puts kids first in every decision we make.
My constituents are the students, families, educators, and residents of the Centennial School District. That includes parents working hard to support their children’s education, teachers and staff who give their all every day, and community members who may not have kids in school but understand that strong public schools benefit everyone. As a father of three students in the district, I’m deeply connected to the people I hope to represent. I believe every voice matters — and my job is to listen, understand, and advocate for what’s best for students and the future of our community.
Supporting the diverse needs of our district starts with listening. Every student, teacher, staff member, and family brings a unique perspective, and we need to make space for those voices to be heard and valued. I believe in offering students a wide range of opportunities — whether academic, artistic, or hands-on — so every child has a path to grow and succeed. For faculty and staff, I would support policies that ensure fair treatment, a safe work environment, and meaningful professional development. Building strong community partnerships and keeping communication open are essential to making sure our schools reflect and serve the people who rely on them.
Building strong relationships starts with showing up and staying accessible. I plan to attend school and community events regularly, and I’ll go beyond the boardroom by launching a twice-monthly podcast to share ideas, highlight programs, and invite feedback from families and staff. I also want to build partnerships with local businesses to help sponsor youth sports, learning equipment, and even facility improvements. I’ll reach out to trade organizations to host trade fairs and explore the creation of magnet-style programs that introduce students to high-demand careers. When we bring people together — whether it’s on a field or in a classroom — our community grows stronger.
Proper funding starts with strong enrollment — and that means making our schools places families want to be. I will advocate for programs that attract and retain students, such as career and technical education (CTE), strong extracurriculars, and innovative learning opportunities. I’ll also work to build partnerships with local businesses, trade groups, and community organizations to bring in additional resources and sponsorships. At the state level, I’ll support fair and stable school funding policies and collaborate with other board members and leaders to advocate for our district’s needs.
Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA)
I believe the foundation of a strong school system is an open and trusting relationship with parents. I plan to be visible and approachable — not just in board meetings, but at school events, parent nights, and in the community. I’ll create clear, consistent channels for communication, including a twice-monthly podcast where I share updates, ideas, and invite feedback. I want parents to feel heard and respected, whether they have praise, concerns, or suggestions. My goal is to build a culture where families are partners in education, and where every parent feels like they have a seat at the table.
To recruit and retain great people, we need to create a culture where faculty, staff, and administrators feel valued, supported, and excited to work. That starts with competitive compensation and benefits, but it also includes work-life balance, professional development, and a strong, positive school climate. I believe we should actively recruit from within our community and partner with local universities, education programs, and workforce pipelines to build long-term relationships.
I believe financial transparency and accountability are essential to building public trust. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, school board members have a responsibility to ensure every dollar is spent wisely, with clear communication about how funds support student success. I support open budgets, clear reporting, and regular community engagement around financial decisions. Government should work for the people — and that means being honest, responsible, and transparent, especially when tough choices have to be made. When the public understands where the money goes and why, trust grows — and our schools are stronger for it.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
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Candidate Centennial School District 28J school board Position 7, At-Large |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 13, 2025
