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Amber Langworthy
Position 5
Age: 44
Brief biography: I am a public school graduate. I attended Lane Community College and earned my associate degree. My husband works as a science administrator at the University of Oregon. My daughter attends third grade in Springfield public schools. I have benefited from public education as have countless others. I get involved when I see a strong need.
Current employment: I am a full-time parent; volunteer for Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Lane County, where I support trauma survivors. Also I am in an online national cohort with Common Sense Media with efforts to bring resources to students and families.
Connection to Springfield School District: I’m deeply involved in the Springfield School District, with a child at Yolanda Elementary, where I support the PTO and volunteer. My experience as a former substitute educational assistant and community volunteer with trauma survivors, in addition to my husband’s coaching and our network of friends with children in the district give me a wide range of insights into the challenges our schools face.
I regularly engage with school staff, administrators, and parents, I attend board meetings, and I seek direct involvement, as shown by my recent application for the open school board’s Position 5 seat. I’m dedicated to continuous learning and committed to addressing the complex challenges facing our schools.
Why are you running? One of my core values is a belief in the mission of public schools. That’s why I am dedicated to the goal of public education, which is to educate all students to their maximum potential. This aligns with Springfield’s motto of “Every Student, Every Day,” which I fully support.
In my research on the education and curriculum of K-5 students in the district, I’ve been fortunate to have conversations with staff throughout the district. I’ve learned that staff are restricted by a rigid schedule. The schedules show that educators are only given 30 minutes a day to focus on either science (with no time for project-based learning), social studies (civics, geography, history, etc.), or health. Note that art is not included. (I have copies to share of schools’ schedules.)
This is what motivated me to run, to step out of my comfort zone and advocate for the right to a well-rounded education. My child will never get these early years back. As stakeholders, we need to have a voice, a vision made in collaboration, and make changes for the betterment of our future.
Priorities:
- A well-rounded education, as mentioned. Elementary students are not being taught enough science, social studies, and art. Why not? Because their schools’ daily schedule typically allocates just 15-30 minutes per week for all of these subjects. The teachers are forced to pick and choose how to squeeze in science principles, geography, history, civics content that our kids need to become knowledgeable and active citizens. A narrowed curriculum restricts students’ learning.
- Student enrollment is dropping. Since the 2016-17 school year the Oregon Deptartment of Education informs me that Springfield public schools have lost 20% of our students. That means some 1,850 kids have left their neighborhood schools, taking the important state school funding away from our district.
- Teacher job satisfaction is not good. Too many teachers have told me they do not feel respected as the professionals they are. Many have master’s degrees, some have PhDs. We need to restore their voices to more building-based decision-making.
Budget cuts: I will fight to keep funding as close to the classroom as possible, supporting our front-line staff, for I believe there is nothing that humans do that is more important than what educators do. They hold the awesome responsibility to educate each and every student. They’re the ones who deliver the curriculum, instruction, and assessment that form the foundation of education and ensure our students are given every opportunity to succeed.
As someone who has dyslexia and ADHD, I’ve spent most of my life masking my neurodivergence, but I have gratitude to those educators who empowered me to tap into my strengths during my school years — this made all the difference in my adult life. I recognize the importance of maintaining resources for students like myself who need extra support.
Local control: The U.S. Constitution is clear: Education is controlled by the states. In Oregon we have a decentralized state system of public education which gives lots of power to local school districts. I agree with this framework because local stakeholders know what’s best for their children. However, certain broader mandates are legal and are useful. Both the Oregon and U.S. departments of education serve as resources to the local districts. Funding for my district largely comes from Salem with additional funding for special needs students from Washington, D.C. Both sources are critical for a healthy school district — we could not fund public education without them. They come with strings attached in the form of requirements. I can work with these mandates and when necessary I will advocate and lobby through our elected representatives at the state and federal levels.
And finally, I believe that Springfield School District is a great place for kids to learn and grow.
I would be honored to be a part of a team of board members who are working together to make the Springfield School District the very best it can be for our students, families, staff and for the taxpayers that make it all possible. I pledge to always listen and respond to concerns from all stakeholders. I understand that public trust and support is built on frequent and open communication. I also pledge to proudly and often share what’s great about our schools.
