Finalist emphasizes immigrant experience, equity and community presence in board interview

During the board’s vacancy interview debrief the candidate identified in minutes as Mr. Sedda described a personal and professional background he said gives him perspective on student needs. He said he left Kenya after the assassination of a family member, moved to Gresham in 2013 for its cultural diversity, is a frequent school volunteer and helped found a Black Student Union Family Connection. He also noted his service on the district Budget Committee and that he was appointed chair of the Oregon Department of Education’s Refugee and Immigrant Student Success Advocacy Group, where he said participants completed a grant process allocating $4 million to agencies serving immigrants and refugees.