Finalist Erasto emphasizes immigrant, multilingual experience and says transparency builds trust
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Summary
Candidate Erasto, a district volunteer on the equity and budget committees, told the board his immigrant and multilingual background and community work make him prepared to represent families of color; the board will vote on an appointment at the March 5 meeting.
The board interviewed finalist Erasto for a board vacancy at the Feb. 20 retreat. Erasto described his personal history as an immigrant and parent in the district, his volunteer roles (founder of a Black Student Union family connection at an elementary school, member of the district equity committee, budget committee member), and his recent selection to chair an Oregon Department of Education immigrant and refugee success advisory group.
Erasto said his lived experience helps him understand families navigating language, displacement and trauma and that representation is more than symbolic. “Representation is not symbolic. It shapes our trust, belonging, and opportunity,” he told board members. He emphasized transparent, accessible communication, showing up in the community, and centering underrepresented voices in decision making.
Board members discussed procedural next steps: members privately scored candidates and staff tallied marks (candidate B led with 14 tallies, candidate D had 12). The board agreed to avoid private campaigning before a public appointment vote. The board plans an appointment agenda item for March 5; if selected, the appointee would appear on the ballot in May 2027 for a subsequent full term.
The board asked members to complete evaluations and to prepare for a March work session on strategic‑plan materials as part of homework ahead of the appointment.
