Shauna Tominey for Corvallis Schools

05/09/2025

At their invitation / with their permission, I'm excited to join Lu (Whitebear for the People) and Bernie (Bernie For Corvallis Schools) at Avery Park this afternoon to chat with community members. Please join us!

We had a great time at the candidate fair sponsored by the League of Women Voters and Linn-Benton NAACP last week — and we ran out of time to talk to everyone who wanted to chat. Join Bernie and I to continue to conversation on 05/09 at Avery Park! We hope to see you there.

05/09/2025

I wanted to share this thoughtful set of infographics that Dr. Whitebear (Whitebear for the People) created to answer many of the questions coming up across the Corvallis community re: CSD budget and related statistics. This information has been shared in various community and School Board meetings, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's easy for folks to find! Finding ways to communicate information authentically, transparently, and in a timely manner is a critical need I'm hearing loudly and clearly from the community. Thank you, Lu, for this example!

04/24/2025

Hi Friends & Community!

Many folks have expressed interest in learning more about the three candidates running for School Board Position #1. The Corvallis Advocate and City Club of Corvallis co-hosted a debate, which they recorded to share with the community. Check it out here! Direct link included in comments.

https://youtu.be/-NmmKBqrJ_Y?si=HSddffEvCQbGixhp

Three candidates are vying in this year's race for Corvallis School Board Position #1; incumbent Sami Al-Abdrabbuh, and challengers Charlotte Willer and Chri...

04/23/2025

Come join us this Saturday (April 26th at 6 pm) at the Avery Park Rotary Shelter!

This Saturday! Stop on by for our meet & greet. 🙂

04/20/2025

Hi Friends! Over the past four years, I have had the honor of learning from students, educators, and families while serving on the Corvallis School Board. Thank you to the community for all that you have taught me on this journey!

I am a little late in sharing that I have filed to run for another four-year term. I am excited to run for re-election alongside (and to endorse) current school board members: Dr. Luhui Whitebear (Whitebear for the People), Sami Al-Abdrabbuh (Dr. Sami Al-Abdrabbuh), and Bernie Wang (Bernie For Corvallis Schools).

Although I am running unopposed, I am grateful for the community engagement opportunities that come with the election process. I plan to revitalize this page and post updates and opportunities for connection here: Shauna Tominey for Corvallis Schools. Please follow along if you are interested and please reach out any time with questions/comments!

09/11/2021

At this week's Corvallis School Board meeting, we had the honor of voting to approve three new elementary school names: Husky Elementary became Bessie Coleman Elementary School, Jaguar Elementary became Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary School, and Wildcat Elementary became Leticia Carson Elementary School. These names were chosen by the community (including students) through a thoughtful and intentional learning process. I felt especially choked up and teary in being a part of approving the new name for Husky Elementary - my own Elementary School - where I have so many special memories. I look forward to learning together with you more about the histories and stories of these amazing women. If you missed the Board meeting, you can watch the recorded discussion and vote starting at 1 hour; 6 minutes:

09/11/2021

I remember watching the attacks unfold on the news 20-years-ago before heading to work as an early childhood teacher in Seattle. As adults, we were struggling with so many different emotions, including confusion and fear, and did our best to channel ourselves into loving the children in our care. Earlier that year, Colin and I had graduated from college, gotten married, and he was commissioned into the Army as an armor officer. The tragic events of that day – September 11, 2001 – impacted our lives in more ways than we could ever have imagined over the years that followed. Yesterday, my daughter came home from middle school and shared with me the thoughtful conversation they had in class about 9/11, including the history of the day, remembrance of those whose lives were lost, the role of first responders (and the lasting impacts on their lives and health), how the way we lived and traveled changed, Islamophobia, and more. She felt proud to share with her teacher that her dad had served in the military and was also able to reflect on the complexity of what that meant. I feel so grateful to CSD teachers for meaningful conversations and meaningful learning. Reflecting on our histories helps us understand our present and shape our future. Liberated_sel Corvallis School District

05/20/2021

Let’s get to work, Corvallis!

My official role as a School Board member does not start until July 1st, however, I learned last month that the School District Budget Committee had an open position for a community member. I applied to participate by submitting a letter of interest and resume. Given that I met the minimum requirements to participate (I live in and am registered to vote in the district and I am not a district employee) AND no one else applied, I was selected. Sometimes it IS that easy! I will be serving in this role until June 30th.

Disclaimer: The comments in this series of posts (view album) are my own opinions and thoughts as a community member and not coming from any official capacity as a Board Member elect.

The proposed budget for 2021-2022 was released this week on Tuesday afternoon with a very short timeline for public comment or review before the proposed budget is approved. I see this as a tension and challenge that public school systems and government systems in general face. There is often a strong desire expressed to engage all voices in decision making, but the timeline requirements and structure do not allow for this to happen well or equitably.

Given that short timeline, how can you get involved in a meaningful way? I have created a series of quick posts to offer some ideas from my perspective as a community member with growing knowledge of the CSD budget process.
If you are interested in reading the full 262-page budget document, you can find it at the link below: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1216...
The student artwork makes it worthwhile to scroll through all 262 pages (wow!).

05/20/2021

05/19/2021

*Pictured: Shauna (me) as a Husky Elementary student (Grades K-5; 1984-1989)*

As we waited for election results to come in last night, I spent time reflecting on what I have learned through the election process and feeling grateful for this amazing community. I am grateful for my family and friends for their unconditional love and support throughout this election process and always. I am grateful for my Equity Slate colleagues: Lu (Whitebear for Corvallis School Board 509J), Sami (Dr. Sami Al-Abdrabbuh), and Vince (Vince Adams for Corvallis School Board) for welcoming me on this journey with them. I am grateful for the current School Board members Sarah, Terese, Tina, and Jay (Sarah Finger McDonald, Terese Jones) who reached out and encouraged me along the way. I am excited to collaborate and learn with continuing Board Members, while also bringing my own unique perspective and experiences to the Board. I am grateful for everyone who put their name forward to run for School Board in this election. Having nine individuals step forward to support Corvallis Schools by running for VOLUNTEER positions says a lot about how much the Corvallis community cares about students. Thank you to Rachelle, Ginger, Tim, Rich, and Bryce (Doc Cleary) (Rachelle Spindler for Corvallis School Board Position #5, Ginger Schudel Larcom for Corvallis School Board, Position #5, Tim Euhus, Rich Arnold for Corvallis School Board Position #4) for standing up for the community along with us. Having so many voices in this election encouraged us all to challenge ourselves and one another with tough questions, listen to and engage more deeply with the community, and look ahead to how the positive work of the current School Board can be strengthened while also acknowledging that there is significant work that still needs to be done. And finally, I am grateful for all of you-students, educators, families, and the greater Corvallis community. Thank you for sharing your stories with me along with your worries and hopes. Thank you for trusting me with the responsibility of representing you on the Corvallis School Board. I am humbled and honored to be elected to serve the community and school district that has had such a profound impact on my own life. I hope to serve you well. With gratitude, ~Shauna

05/15/2021

It's time to get out the vote! If everyone who has returned a ballot so far gets at least one friend or relative to return their ballot, we can reach that 50% goal. It is possible with your help.
It's too late to mail in ballots, but you can find the Ballot Box closest to you at: https://www.co.benton.or.us/elections/page/may-18-2021-special-election-ballot-dropsites

It's time to get out the vote you all! If everyone who's returned a ballot so far gets at least one friend or relative to return their ballot by May 18, we can reach that 50% goal. It is possible with your help.
Don't forget it's too late to mail in ballots but we have lots of ballot boxes in our local community. You can find the one closest to you at: https://www.co.benton.or.us/elections/page/may-18-2021-special-election-ballot-dropsites