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Heather Quaas-Annsa
Position 2
Age: 42
Brief biography: Heather Quaas-Annsa is a dedicated school board member, nonprofit professional, and advocate for education, equity, and housing justice. With lived experience in housing instability and a passion for inclusive policies, she champions student success, educator support, and community-driven solutions to build a stronger, more equitable public education system.
Current employment: Director of philanthropy for Community Supported Shelters, a nonprofit, low-barrier shelter program in Eugene.
Connection with the Springfield School District: My connection to Springfield Public Schools is deeply personal and multifaceted. As a mother of three teenagers attending three different Springfield schools, I have firsthand experience with the district’s strengths and challenges. My children’s experiences — both positive and difficult — have influenced my decision to serve on the Springfield School Board (Position 2) and advocate for policies that support students, educators, and families.
Why are you running? I’m running for school board to ensure every student in Springfield Public Schools has access to a high-quality, inclusive education. As a mother of three teens in the district, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities our schools face. I’m committed to addressing funding inequities, supporting teachers, and advocating for policies prioritizing student well-being and success. By centering the voices of families, educators, and the community, I believe we can create a stronger, more equitable school system where all students thrive.
Priorities: If elected to the Springfield School Board, my top priorities will be:
- Student well-being: Expanding mental health services and support systems to ensure that every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to succeed.
- Inclusive education: Promoting policies that ensure an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum and support for students from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ students, and students of color.
- Teacher and staff support: Championing resources and professional development for educators to ensure they have the tools to thrive and provide quality education.
- Community engagement: Listening to and collaborating with families, educators, and the broader Springfield community to ensure that decisions are rooted in the needs and voices of those most affected.
Budget cutbacks: If budget cutbacks become necessary, I would be least willing to cut funding for student support services, especially mental health resources and special education. Ensuring that every student — regardless of their background or challenges — has the support they need to succeed is essential. I’d also prioritize maintaining resources for classroom teachers to ensure that students receive a high-quality education. Cutting these areas would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable students and hinder our long-term success as a district. Instead, I would look for efficiencies in areas that have less direct impact on student learning and well-being.
Local control: The proper boundaries between state, federal agencies, and local school boards lie in balancing the need for oversight and accountability with the flexibility to address local needs and priorities.
Federal and state agencies set essential standards and provide funding to ensure equity, safety, and access to education for all students. These mandates — like those related to special education (IDEA), civil rights protections (Title IX), and standardized assessments (ESSA) — are crucial for maintaining a baseline of fairness and quality across districts.
However, local school boards are in the best position to understand and address the unique needs of their communities. They should have the flexibility to make decisions on curriculum, staffing, and local policy priorities in response to the specific needs of students and families. School boards must also advocate for the resources and support needed to implement state and federal policies effectively while ensuring that local voices remain central in decision-making.
In short, federal and state mandates set the framework for equity and accountability, while local school boards have the responsibility and autonomy to tailor those policies to best serve their communities.
Endorsements: Springfield Education Association; Democratic Party of Lane County; Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon; Springfield City Councilor Kori Rodley; Latino Network Action Fund.
