OTHELLO – There are two candidates running for the Othello School District Director District 3 position in this year’s election. These candidates are Birdie Fought and Juan “Jerry” Garcia. 

Both candidates were given the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers. Garcia did not respond within the given deadline of Aug. 25 at noon, which resulted in his answers not being published.*

Q: What has OSD been successful in over the last 5-10 years that you would like to see continue? 

Fought: The two areas of success I’ve witnessed is:  

Student Achievement & Opportunities – expanding advanced learning, CTE, and dual-credit opportunities has given more students a pathway toward success after graduation. 

Supportive Environments – continuing focus on social-emotional learning, mental health, and safe schools has been a big success. 

Q: As a member of the school board, what are some things you would hope to focus on moving forward from the budget cuts that will be affecting the upcoming 2025/26 school year? 

Fought: As a board member, my priority moving forward from the 2025/26 budget cuts would be protecting the classroom and ensuring students’ learning opportunities remain strong. Reductions are never easy, but I believe we must first look for efficiency in operations and administration before cutting programs that directly serve students. 

I would also emphasize transparency and community involvement, making sure families, staff, and students understand the challenges and have a voice in shaping solutions. Equity will be a guiding value—I want to be certain no group of students carries a disproportionate impact from the cuts. 

In addition, maintaining support for special education, mental health services, and career pathways will remain important, even in difficult financial times. Finally, I would advocate for long-term, sustainable state funding so that our district can plan ahead with stability instead of responding to yearly shortfalls. 

Q: How will you interact with students and encourage their success? 

Fought: As a board director, I want students to know that I am approachable, accessible, and invested in their success. I will be fully engaged in my role by attending all required meetings, but also by being present in our schools and at student activities. Whether it’s showing up to a sporting event, attending performances, or making regular visits to schools, I believe visibility matters. These opportunities allow me to listen directly to students, celebrate their achievements, and understand their challenges. By building those connections, I can make more informed decisions at the board level while encouraging every student to reach their full potential. 

Q: What is one of the main struggles of students currently enrolled in Othello schools and what would you like to do about it? 

Fought: One of the main struggles students in Othello face today is balancing their academic success with the social and emotional challenges that come from living in a rapidly changing world. Many students are navigating issues like mental health, limited access to resources, and the need to prepare for life after graduation—whether that means college, a trade, or entering the workforce. 

As a board member, I would like to ensure that students have access to strong support systems both inside and outside the classroom. That means protecting mental health resources, strengthening career and technical education, and continuing to build partnerships with families and community organizations. By providing students with both academic opportunities and the personal support they need, we can help them feel more confident, supported, and prepared for their future. 

Q: What would be most ideal for aiding in the growth of students and faculty in the district? 

Fought: The most ideal way to aid in the growth of both students and faculty is by fostering a supportive, collaborative learning environment. For students, this means providing access to high-quality instruction, relevant career pathways, and the social-emotional resources that help them thrive both academically and personally. For faculty, growth comes from ongoing professional development, mentorship opportunities, and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to focus on teaching rather than being overwhelmed by outside pressures. 

When students feel supported and challenged, and when educators feel valued and equipped to do their best work, the entire district benefits. I believe prioritizing strong relationships, open communication, and equity across all schools will create the kind of environment where both students and staff can continue to grow and succeed. 

*Attempts to reach candidate Juan “Jerry” Garcia were made, but he was unable to respond before the given deadline. 

    Juan “Jerry” Garcia