OCTOBER 2025 • 19
The Current
cvsd director dist. 5 Pam Orebaugh
What best qualifies you for this position? I am best qualified to retain my seat on the CVSD School board for numerous reasons. First, I am currently in that position and have the knowledge and skills from serving. Being on the school board is vastly different than teaching and there is a lot to learn related to laws, policies, advocacy, budget, and governance. Second,
I am a fierce advocate for our children. I believe that our district must prepare students for their dreams and to be productive members of our community. Students must have high academic standards and supports, a vast array of course choices, and safety at school. Third, our children best succeed when the district is in partnership with their parents/families. Our parents must be respected and encouraged to participate in their children’s education. Fourth, we must ensure that we are using taxpayer dollars wisely, while being transparent and accountable, and in a manner that best supports our kids’ education. Fifth, we must communicate and listen to our community—
from parents to staff to kids to taxpayers. I have done all these things and will continue if reelected. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The most important issue is state overreach into our local community. This issue affects everything in our district from policies, curriculum, to finances, The state continues to make laws that take away our ability to make decisions. This erodes trust with our community/parents and for our community/ parents to have input into our decisions. I have advocated on hard topics, like protecting girls’ spaces and parents’ rights.
What best qualifies you for this position? I bring real-world experience, strong leadership, and a collaborative approach to help our students and schools thrive. As CVSD’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, I draw on 11 years of classroom experience in both academic and technical education, where I’ve focused on helping students learn independently and prepare for their next step—whether that’s an apprenticeship, trade school, college, or career. Before teaching, I was an engineer and project manager at HewlettPackard, leading global teams and managing
major projects. In both education and business, I’ve built a reputation for leadership, teamwork, creative problemsolving, and supporting colleagues—skills that directly translate to effective school board service. As a 40-year resident, long-time school volunteer, and parent of two CVSD graduates, I will listen to students and families. Serving today’s students and keeping our schools strong requires capable board members who are focused on student success and work collaboratively with the administration and community. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
Mark Bitz
incumbent
Candidate
Help our district focus on what matters m o s t — s t u d e n t success. Success means preparing students for 21st century careers while ensuring their well being and safety. If elected, I will use strategic thinking and collaboration to prioritize actions to serve all Central Valley students, families, staff, and our community.
EVSD Director Dist. 3 Carolyn Petersen Candidate
What best qualifies you for this position? I have skin in this game. As a mother of 5 EVSD students (2 graduated and 3 current) I come to the EVSD School Board as an involved parent and school volunteer. I have spent countless hours in the classroom, on focus groups, on the field, at the track, and in the audience of almost all facets of our district. I have been able to work side-by-side with teachers, school administrators, and district employees through volunteering and involvement. I believe that we can only make our district its best by being a part of our district. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Through of my involvement, I have witnessed our teachers work to educate our students with only half of the tools that they need. What our staff is able to do with outdated buildings and technology and equipment is astounding. The most important thing that we can do for our kids is give them facilities that give them the BEST chance for success.
RUNNING UNOPPOSED