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We need you to show your support for Springfield School District School Board Chair Jonathan Light. Jonathan Light is the one person on the school board who spent many years teaching children in a classroom, and he always can be counted on to advocate for teachers and students. He is the best sort of school board member, one who does his school board homework, asks hard questions, and listens thoughtfully to everyone who approaches him.

The Superintendent wrongfully filed a formal complaint against Board Chair Light for reaching out to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to get an update on the status of ODE’s investigation into the Springfield School District. The district is currently under investigation by ODE for not providing the necessary time, standards-aligned curricula, and other support materials that elementary teachers need to teach science and social studies in grades K-5.

We ask you to simply show up to the board meeting on Monday, August 25, sit in the audience, and be present. Public comment is not permitted at this board meeting, so we are not there to make speeches. The intention is to make it very clear to the district administration and the other members of the school board that the public is watching closely.

The school board meets in the boardroom on the second floor at 640 A St. in Springfield. The meeting begins at 5:30, so get there a few minutes early to get a good seat. Shortly after the meeting begins, the board and some administrators will leave to meet in private. This break in the action can last thirty minutes, so bring a good book or your laptop if you like. Once they have finished with the not-for-public business, the board will conduct its public business, and that’s when our presence matters most.

Please join us and show up to support School Board Chair Jonathan Light!

Join us for the Mid-Willamette Trans Support Network’s

Trans Equity Training Series – a free, empowering set of virtual trainings for providers, organizers, and advocates committed to justice and care for trans communities.

🗓 Mondays from 12–1:30pm PST
Register for free at: https://bit.ly/transtrainingseries

Upcoming Sessions:

5/19 – How to Be a “Sanctuary Agency”
Learn how to navigate the current legal landscape and protect your communities.
Topics: Migrant Gender Justice, Shield Laws, Trans Criminalization

5/26 – Back to Basics: LGBTQI Health 101
Foundational, culturally responsive care practices for LGBTQIA+ clients.
Topics: Gender Affirming Care, S*xual Health, Culturally Specific Care

6/9 – Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
Centering gender and racial equity in DV/IPV work with trans and q***r survivors.
Topics: Prevalence and Risk, Inclusive Services, Legal Barriers

6/16 – Critical Perspectives on Harm Reduction
A liberatory lens on harm reduction for gender justice and racial equity.
Topics: Recovery Justice, Health Stigma, S*x Work

✨ All training sessions are led by subject matter experts with lived experience. ✨
Let’s build trans equity together — see you there!

These trainings are available through the generous support of Benton County Health Department & Linn Benton Lincoln Health Equity Alliance.

Folks with questions may email us at [email protected]