Election May 2025: Meet the candidates for the Forest Grove school board race

Published 12:00 pm Tuesday, May 6, 2025

By Nick Lamora

Election season is here once again, and Forest Grove has some seats to fill.

The 2025 special district election will take place May 20. All prospective candidates have filed their paperwork, and ballots were mailed to voters April 30.

In Forest Grove, three school board seats are up for election — all of which are contested.

No incumbents are on the ballot this year, meaning new leadership is guaranteed for the local school district.

Brisa Franco, Position 1

Brisa Franco has entered the race for Forest Grove School District’s Position 1 seat.

A graduate of Forest Grove High School, Franco is currently pursuing a law degree while working as a legal assistant. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology from George Fox University.

Her past teaching experience includes serving as a Spanish instructor and tutor at George Fox, as well as working as a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics instructor with Centro Cultural.

“As a Latina and first-generation college student, reaching higher education was not easily accessible,” Franco said in the Washington County voters’ pamphlet. “Navigating these challenges in non-diverse spaces led me to understand how the Forest Grove School District can better support its students, in particular those who are not typically represented in places of power and higher education.”

Franco’s priorities include preparing students for success in both academics and career pathways, fostering mentorship opportunities and creating a safe, inclusive environment. She also advocates for increased support and resources for teachers.

Franco faces fellow newcomer Nicholas Hafez. The winner will serve a four-year term.

Nicholas Hafez, Position 1

Nicholas Hafez is vying for the Position 1 seat on the Forest Grove school board.

A retired pharmacy manager with a degree from Washington State University, Hafez currently serves on the Forest Grove School District Budget Committee.

Hafez is a longtime member of Kiwanis International, a global service organization dedicated to serving children and communities. Locally, he has served as Governor of the Pacific Northwest District and as an adviser for Forest Grove High School’s Key Club and Pacific University’s Circle K club.

“I have a personal interest in improving the quality of our school system thus improving the quality education for our students,” Hafez told the News-Times. “As a Kiwanian, my focus is on the children — and where is better to be but on the school board to focus on the children of our community.”

Hafez says he wants to improve communication among students, teachers and families, alongside goals to ensure the district provides both quality education and a safe school environment.

He is running against Brisa Franco; the winner will serve a four-year term.

Jodi Blue, Position 2

Newcomer Jodi Blue is running for the open Position 2 seat on the Forest Grove school board.

A special education teacher currently working with Northwest Regional ESD, Blue has more than a decade of classroom experience across multiple districts in Oregon, including Forest Grove and Portland Public Schools.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and history from Reed College, a master’s in special education from Pacific University and a teaching credential in elementary education from Sonoma State University. Blue has also served as vice president of the Woodlawn Parent Teacher Association.

“Our schools are at a critical juncture. Students bring the challenges of daily life into the classroom, special education services remain underfunded despite increasing demand and discipline policies leave many families and staff feeling dissatisfied,” she told the News-Times. “At the same time, educators are navigating staffing shortages and mounting expectations. Forest Grove deserves collaborative, informed leadership that puts students first and partners with educators to improve outcomes for all.”

Blue says she would focus on responsible budgeting that centers the classroom, advocate for equitable policies and work to create affirming, inclusive spaces where every family feels heard.

Blue is running against Peter Truax, with the winner serving a four-year term.

Peter Truax, Position 2

Longtime local leader Peter Truax is seeking election to Position 2 on the Forest Grove school board.

Truax spent 28 years teaching in Forest Grove middle and high schools before transitioning to public service. He served on the city council from 2000 to 2009 and was mayor of Forest Grove from 2009 until 2022.

He also serves on the boards of several nonprofits, including Community Action of Washington County, West Tuality Habitat for Humanity, Ride Connection and the Forest Grove Library Foundation.

“I am seeking to represent the people of the Forest Grove School District in this crossroads in American education,” Truax said in the Washington County voter’s pamphlet. “For over two hundred years, we have held to the principle that a free education, open to all, is basic to our democracy. An educated citizenry has the tools to make informed and thoughtful decisions which will produce an environment beneficial to all.”

Truax emphasized that “kids come first,” and said he wants to listen to the community and make thoughtful decisions about how education funding is used.

Truax is competing against fellow newcomer Jodi Blue, with the winner serving a four-year term.

Alma Lozano, Position 3

Alma Lozano is one of three candidates to place her bid for the Forest Grove school board Position 3 seat.

Lozano, who graduated from Forest Grove High School, is a small business owner and real estate agent with a professional background as a certified interpreter. She has also coached soccer and worked as a Spanish tutor.

Her civic experience includes roles with the Forest Grove Forward Steering Committee, the Cornelius Economic Development Commission, the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Forest Grove.

“As a mother, local business owner, and graduate of Forest Grove High School, I’ve spent my life rooted in the Forest Grove-Cornelius community. I know our neighborhoods, our families and the values that bring us together,” Lozano said in the Washington County voters’ pamphlet. “I believe that strong schools build strong communities. I am committed to ensuring that every student who walks through our doors has the resources, support and opportunities they need to thrive.”

According to Lozano, she will push for policies that prioritize academic excellence and equitable access, strengthen relationships with businesses to establish career pathways and maintain open lines of communication between schools and families.

She faces fellow newcomers Madigan Shepherd and James Strother in the race for Position 3. The winner will serve a four-year term.

Madigan Shepherd, Position 3

Madigan Shepherd is among three candidates in contention for the Position 3 seat on the Forest Grove school board.

Currently serving on the Forest Grove Committee for Community Engagement, Shepherd earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Oregon State University.

Shepherd has volunteered at both the Forest Grove and Cornelius libraries and worked with the Save Ancient Studies Alliance, a group dedicated to reviving interest in ancient studies at all levels of education.

“I am running for school board to use my skills as a facilitator to improve the experiences of both parents and students,” Shepherd told the News-Times. “I’ve experienced first hand in my volunteer work the importance of access to education and to ensure access to education we need to make sure our school board has effective communication so we can secure bonds and gain support for policies that benefit students.”

The candidate has expressed support for reducing the reliance on standardized testing, improving job readiness for students and making school board meetings more accessible, while also advocating for limits on smartphone use in class and a balanced approach to budgeting.

Shepherd is up against Alma Lozano and James Strother for the seat. The winner will serve a four-year term when elected.

James Strother, Position 3

James Strother is one of three candidates campaigning for the Position 3 seat on the Forest Grove school board.

A Forest Grove High School graduate and local parent, Strother has previously worked within the district as both an instructional assistant and transition coordinator.

“Growing up in this beautiful town has shaped me into who I am today, Strother said in the Washington County voters’ pamphlet. “I am deeply committed to protecting our educational system and ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education. Every child in this district deserves equal access to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment, where they feel valued and respected.”

Strother says he wants to strengthen and expand special education services, prioritize inclusivity and foster a culture of communication and empathy. He also aims to make the district a model of student and family support.

He is up against Madigan Shepherd and Alma Lozano. The winner will serve a four-year term if elected.

You Might Like

Print Article