SPRINGFIELD – On Monday night, Springfield Public Schools board members appointed Robert (Bob) Brew as a new board member, but only after deadlocking on the decision three times.
From a pool of 13 applicants, board members narrowed the selection to three candidates who might fill the vacant seat left by Heather Quaas-Annsa. Matthew Brandt is a software engineer for Inseego Corp. He has previously spoken during public comments at board meetings and created a website at springfieldbridgeplan.org, which includes a petition to reverse the board’s decision to cut licensed jobs after the mid-year layoffs in January.
Brandt’s proactive community involvement secured him a vote from board member Amber Langworthy.
“He went many steps above and beyond. After the riff had occurred, he pulled together out of thin air this website that got 1,000 people to sign it. He engaged with the community. He got the data to us. He got not only the community voices, but also the staff voices; he reached out. He went above and beyond,” Langworthy said.
Board chair Jonathon Light agreed, saying he brings a different perspective and a fresh set of eyes to the board. He seconded Langworthy’s motion to appoint Brandt, but Kon Kohl and Nicole De Graff both voted against it.
Zach Bessett was another candidate who made it to the final discussion. He previously served on the board after being elected in 2017 but did not run for a second term. He currently works as a social services specialist at the Oregon Department of Human Services and made it clear he would not run an election to complete the term.
When asked in an interview, he said, “Absolutely not. I want nothing to do with any political party, any election, or any popular content. I’m just here to help you guys get by for a year and hope things go as smoothly as possible.”
Although his prior experience as a board member drew in De Graff and Kohl as supporters, his lack of commitment to the role constituted opposing views from other board members.
“For me, that continuity or potential continuity is an important factor,” Light said.
Brew has experience as a former city employee in Eugene and Springfield. He held various financial management roles and even served on the Springfield city council for Ward 6 from 2012-2014. According to a press release from the City of Springfield, he formally resigned due to a relocation outside of the ward. He was appointed to serve on the Springfield Budget Committee and began his term on April 21, 2025.
He also served on the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the Oregon Student Access Commission. Brew ran for the SPS board in 2025, but lost to Langworthy.
“When you look at the scope, it’s pretty broad from city to state, and that resonates with me,” Light said.
His broad experience and commitment to the role put him in a top position. Light nominated Brew, and Kohl seconded the motion. De Graf voted no, and after two silent minutes of deliberation, Langworthy also initially voted no. After the board deadlocked on Bessett and Brandt, Langworthy nominated Brew again. De Graf was the only no vote.
“Because this is going to be a short term, my first priority would be to get up to speed quickly and to be a constructive contributor from the start. Fortunately, my background in public governance and budgeting means that I can understand the framework and the law and am comfortable reviewing policy documents,” Brew said.
Brew will serve through June 2027. He said he plans to run for re-election in the May 2027 special election for a position that expires in June 2029.
