Portland School Board Candidate Pam Knowles Receives Key Endorsements

USA (SANEPR.com) May 19, 2009 -- The Oregonian, Service Employees International Union local 503, The Portland Tribune, Multnomah County Youth Commission and Willamette Week have all thrown their support behind Pam Knowles' candidacy for Portland School Board, Zone 5.

"Pam Knowles would make the Portland School Board more effective, focused and gutsy," states The Oregonian editorial ( http://snipurl.com/i1gg4 ). The Oregonian pinpoints Pam as the most qualified candidate in the race. The Willamette Week publication notes that Pam is "knowledgeable about schools and dedicated to making them better...[and"> the more appropriate successor to Hennings."

The Portland Tribune recognized Pam's diverse professional experience as well as the resources and relationships she will bring to the district in these trying economic times, stating Pam is "not only is knowledgeable about education, but shows the potential for innovative thought at a time when the district will need it the most." ( http://snipurl.com/i1hgf )

SEIU (Service Employees International Union) local 503, which represents the custodial and food service workers for Portland Public Schools, has thrown their support behind Pam as well as the Multnomah County Youth Commission voted overwhelmingly for Pam in a mock election.

Pam has worked for families and children for over 30 years. She was a high school social studies teacher and a founding member and the Chair of the Oregon Child Care Commission where she successfully lobbied for parental and family leave. She was the President of the Buckman PTA. As an arts education advocate she developed an Arts Education Plan for Portland Public Schools and was a founder of DaVinci Arts Middle School. Pam was the first woman partner at Davis Wright Tremaine and a founding member of Oregon Women Lawyers. ( http://www.pamknowles.com )

Most recently, Pam has brought more resources to PPS through her work on the Right Brain Initiative which brings more arts into the schools, and the Nike School Innovation Fund which focuses on summer kindergarten academies for at-risk students and principal professional development. She is also on the Mayor and County Chair's Education Strategic Task Force, which is focusing on cutting the 42% drop-out rate in half by 2011.

The Election for Portland Public Schools Board is May 19th, and ballots were mailed out on Friday May 1st.

About Pam Knowles:
Pam Knowles has been a Portland Public Schools parent and supporter for over 18 years. Pam's vast experience as a teacher, lawyer and business leader have all well prepared her to serve on the Portland Public School Board, Zone 5. For more information about Pam Knowles campaign and candidacy, please visit her website at http://www.pamknowles.com
Press Release Distibution By PressReleasePoint

Contact:
Erin Devaney
Pam Knowles for Portland Public School Board
Portland, OR, 97232
503-753-2869
Devaney.erin@gmail.com
http://www.pamknowles.com