02/08/2025
As we step into 2025, I’m filled with hope, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead. This year, I’m thrilled to share that I will be seeking another term as a member of the Portland Public Schools Board!
Will you help me continue the good work by donating to my reelection campaign?
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/friends-of-gary-hollands-1
Over the past few years, we’ve made tremendous strides, overcoming challenges and celebrating key victories for our students, families, and educators. I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I am energized by the work that lies ahead as we continue building a brighter future for every student in our district.
Here are some of the achievements I’ve championed during my time on the board:
-Advancing Career Technical Education (CTE): Championed career and technical education, ensuring all high schoolers graduate prepared for college or a career.
-Championing Transparency: Demanded PPS work is open and transparent and that accountability to taxpayers, our students and families was prioritized.
-Expanded classroom supports and literacy coaches, ensuring all kids read by 3rd grade.
-Secured budgets for smaller class sizes, providing students with the personalized attention they need to thrive.
-Advocated for increased state funding to ensure our schools have the necessary resources for student success.
-Successfully led efforts to secure local funding, maintaining 600 teachers per year for the last four years, ensuring essential funding for our schools, students and educators.
-Increased mental health, counseling, and social worker support so students have the help they need.
-Led efforts to secure additional funding to address heat and cold issues in aging school buildings.
-Strengthened middle schools by successfully adding more teachers, counselors, and support staff.
-Ensured equitable access to art, music, PE, career technical education, and college prep classes for all students, regardless of where they live.
-As Chair of the PPS Facilities & Operations Committee, I drove critical investments in our district’s infrastructure, completing the rebuilding of Benson High School and the MLC Building
-Effectively championed fair compensation for our bus drivers, securing wage increases that not only addressed inflation but also ensured a sustainable Portland living wage—an accomplishment I’m deeply proud of.
My dedication to serving our students, families, and community remains unwavering. Every decision I make is guided by my deep passion for improving educational opportunities and outcomes for our students.
To continue this work, I need your help. Running a successful campaign takes resources, and your support—through donations of money, time, and advocacy—will be critical. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to build a strong, community-driven campaign that ensures we can keep making a difference for Portland’s students.
Let’s make 2025 a year of progress, collaboration, and success for our schools and communities. Together, we can keep the momentum going and deliver the transformative change our students and schools deserve.
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make this year extraordinary!
