High School Senior Battles Community Leader for PPS School Board Seat

PORTLAND, Oregon — A McDaniel High School senior, Jorge Sanchez Bautista, is running for a seat on the Portland Public Schools (PPS) school board, with voters casting their ballots on Tuesday.

Bautista, 18, has been a member of the PPS for 12 years and believes this is an important opportunity. He stated, “Being in PPS for the past 12 years, I know the good and bad. It feels like a big opportunity.” Even while preparing for finals and his graduation, Bautista has campaigned actively.

Despite his youth, Bautista has experience in local government. He has participated in social advocacy and helped pass state legislation. He also worked with Oregon’s Board of Education and was a strong supporter of the Portland teachers’ union two years ago.

His goal is to ensure future students succeed academically and that schools receive adequate funding. Bautista said, “We need an advocate and a true community representative who knows exactly what our students are facing.” His campaign has earned endorsements from several organizations, including the Latino Network, Young Democrats of Oregon, and the Oregon Working Families Party.

However, Bautista faces competition from Virginia La Forte, a veteran community member with deep ties to Portland Public Schools. La Forte has engaged with the district for over a decade and has two children who have attended Grant High School.

“I’ve got a front row seat to the student experience,” La Forte said. She is backed by the Willamette Women Democrats and various community leaders, emphasizing her commitment to improving educational conditions.

La Forte pointed out several issues facing the district, saying, “We’re facing high rates of low academic scores and crumbling infrastructure.” She has also been involved in initiatives to improve environmental health and safety within the district.

Moreover, La Forte has closely monitored the district’s budget in light of recent cuts to PPS funding. “I think that my experience with budgeting and auditing can bring a really critical eye to how we review and manage our budget,” she stated.

This election will not only determine the fate of Bautista and La Forte but also three other school board seats up for grabs on Tuesday.