I first met Briana Spencer during the 2019-2020 election cycle. Since then, we have continued to work together on advocacy projects. I know of no one more engaged and committed to the success of their community than Briana.

As someone who grew up in Umatilla County, attended local schools, and has served on local and regional boards and committees, Briana is well placed to understand what works, what doesn’t, and what is needed. She understands the success of our schools depends on having in-depth local knowledge.

Briana has taken her lived experience, leadership abilities, and organizing skills and put them at the service of her larger community to uplift marginalized voices, bring diverse groups to the table, and push for greater equity and inclusion. She both listens and speaks her mind.

School is about more than learning the basics of reading, writing, and math. It is also where we first enter the larger community and have formative experiences that shape who we become. As a parent, Briana is who I would want on my local school board because I know she will be a fierce advocate for every student.

Margaret Foley

Portland

The East Oregonian does not run endorsements of more than 400 words.

The East Oregonian will institute a deadline for letters to the editor, so we can be fair with all the letters we receive and allow for responses before Election Day, if necessary.

We run local letters of endorsement on a first-come, first-served basis. Please submit your endorsement letters to the editor by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 7. You can email them to editor@eastoregonian.com, or mail them to East Oregonian, c/o Andrew Cutler, 211 S.E. Byers Ave., Pendleton, OR 97801.

We will publish our last letters on Saturday, May 15. Any letters received after the deadline will not run. Election Day is May 18.