Heart.
Hustle.
Impact.
“I’d stand shoulder to shoulder with Virginia in the trenches any day—she’s smart, strategic, relentless, and deeply committed to students. When Virginia’s in the room, things get done.”
—Julia Brim-Edwards, County Commissioner & PPS Board of Directors
I’m running for the PPS Board of Directors because our kids deserve safe, supportive schools, and bold leadership that gets things done. I’ve been in the trenches with PPS for years, turning vision into action and delivering real results for students, families, and educators. I lead with heart, hustle, and impact.
It’s time to “walk the walk” and build stronger schools — for every student.
“Virginia is a respected community leader who shares our mission to ensure all students—especially those whose potential is too often overlooked—receive a high-quality, relevant education. She brings the skills to break down barriers, build partnerships, and deliver real results for kids.”
Meet Virginia
I’ve been a resident of both North and Northeast Portland for 20 years and I’ve seen - firsthand - how disparities in resources, facilities, and opportunities show up from school to school. That experience drives my commitment to equity and my belief that every student—no matter their zip code—deserves access to a high-quality education.
Virginia in front of Harriet Tubman Middle School’s state of the art air filtration system. Her advocacy secured $10M in air filtration and infrastructure upgrades for students and staff. Located in Portland’s historic Albina neighborhood, urban renewal and freeway construction cut through the original school grounds.
“As a Portland City Councilor, I know how critical it is to have leaders who not only have a strong vision—but can bring people together and get things done. Virginia has shown time and again that she can turn bold ideas into real action through deep community engagement and strong follow-through. That’s why I unequivocally support her for the School Board.”
Priorities
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Urgency & Action
Virginia is committed to addressing chronic absenteeism, improving reading outcomes, and ensuring safe, modern learning environments—now.
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Equity & Opportunity
Every student deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their zip code. Virginia fights to remove barriers and build belonging.
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Support for Educators
Virginia partners with teachers and staff to improve classroom conditions, policies, and student outcomes.
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Accountability & Transparency
Public dollars must be used wisely. Virginia brings a track record of transparency and smart implementation—follow-through matters.
“Virginia is wonderful. She is real, she’s trustworthy, and she knows how to get things done through building authentic relationships. Her mix of humanity and effectiveness is exactly what we need on the School Board.”
Virginia is proudly endorsed by:
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Stand for Children
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Willamette Women Democrats
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Lisa Reynolds
Oregon State Senator
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Julia Brim-Edwards
Multnomah County Commissioner, PPS Board of Directors
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Dan Ryan
City Councilor (District 2 - N/NE Portland), former PPS Board of Directors
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Sharon Meieran
Former County Commissioner
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Eddie Wang
Chair, PPS Board of Directors
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Gary Hollands
PPS Board of Directors, Executive Director, Albina Sports Program
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Patte Sullivan
PPS Board of Directors
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Bob McKean
Former Interim Superintendent - PPS, former Superintendent, Centennial School District
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Ashley Thirstrup
Former Director of Youth & Education Services, Native American Youth and Family Center
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Amy Kohnstamm
Former Chair, PPS Board of Directors
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Pamela Knowles
Former Chair, PPS Board of Directors
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Carol Turner
Former Chair, PPS Board of Directors
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Bill Scott
Former PPS Board of Directors, former Co-Chair, SUN Coordinating Council
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David Wynde
Former PPS Board of Directors
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Stephen Griffith
Former PPS Board of Directors, PPS Constitution Team Coach
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John Eisemann
PPS Teacher (High School)
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Karla Hudson
Former PPS Teacher (Elementary School, 22 years)
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Jaina Kapranos
PPS Teacher (Pre-K)
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and many more coming soon.
