Danny McDiarmid

Danny McDiarmid

Position 2
Age: 44

Brief biography: I am a dedicated public servant with experience in the judicial and executive branches of state government, policy implementation, and community advocacy. I have served on the Awbrey Park Elementary Site Council and have worked extensively with families, educators, and government agencies to improve outcomes for children and communities.

Current employment: Child support case manager, Oregon Department of Justice.

Connection to Eugene School District: I served on the Awbrey Park Elementary Site Council for two years, working closely with parents, educators, and administrators to support students and improve school policies. I am deeply invested in the district’s success and committed to ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education.

Why are you running? I am running to ensure that every student has access to a strong, equitable education. I believe in responsible fiscal management, transparency, and collaboration between families, educators, and the district. My experience working with legal and policy frameworks equips me to navigate complex challenges and advocate for effective, student-centered solutions.

Priorities: 

  • Student achievement and equity: Strengthening academic support systems, addressing learning loss, and ensuring equitable access to resources for all students.
  • Fiscal responsibility: Prioritizing funding for classrooms, teachers, and student services while ensuring transparency in budgeting.
  • Community engagement: Strengthening partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations to support student success.
  • Supporting educators: Advocating for policies that attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff.

Budget cutbacks: I would prioritize funding that directly impacts students and educators, including classroom instruction, special education services, mental health support, and teacher retention programs. Maintaining small class sizes and ensuring access to essential learning tools should remain a priority, even in challenging budget cycles.

Local control: State and federal policies provide necessary guidelines and funding, but local school boards should have the flexibility to implement policies that best serve their communities. Decision-making should be informed by local needs while ensuring compliance with broader education standards, civil rights protections, and student success benchmarks.

Mike McInally is a Pacific Northwest journalist with four decades of experience in Oregon and Montana, including stints as editor of the Corvallis Gazette-Times and the Albany Democrat-Herald.