RICHARD ANDREW VASQUEZ, 44
Zone 4 candidate
Hometown: Eureka, Calif.
Family: Engaged to a CNA/ Creswell Post Acute … An adult daughter
Employer and occupation: South Lane County School District
Public sector experience: College Trustee, 4 years … Trustee, San Joaquin Delta Community College, 2018-24 … Unsuccessful run for Cottage Grove City Council At Large, 2024
Private sector experience: Self-employment Legal & Education Counseling, nonprofit
Leadership style: “Collaborative”
At your best: “Analytical”
At your worst: “Dyscalculia”
As an educator and leader, focusing on student success, academic achievement, and community service will empower individuals to thrive in a complex world. However, education leadership fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, enabling individuals to adapt and strengthen their ability to seek higher goals. I would focus on directing the board to be more active with dual enrollment and seek opportunities to partner with high schools.
Another opportunity for LCC is to create more pathways for students to earn bachelor’s degrees. This would involve researching different degrees of demand in the community. Seeking programs designed to prepare students for high-value careers in Oregon’s workforce will lead to an economic boost in professionalism and career readiness. … Education is the key to success and the door to positive wellness.
I sit on the Lane County Parks and Recreation Committee and Urban Forestry for Cottage Grove and am a Board Member for Singing Creek Educational Center. I’m also involved in Kiwanis International, which fosters professional development at the high school level. These volunteer opportunities help me adapt to seeking educational leadership roles in the community and prepare me to teach others about academic and community success.
