David Polehn
for North Wasco County District 21 School Board

David Polehn for North Wasco County District 21 School Board David Polehn for North Wasco County District 21 School Board David Polehn for North Wasco County District 21 School Board

David Polehn
for North Wasco County District 21 School Board

David Polehn for North Wasco County District 21 School Board David Polehn for North Wasco County District 21 School Board David Polehn for North Wasco County District 21 School Board
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Excellence starts in Zone 4.

 Students First. Brilliance in the Basics. Let's Win at Education 

About David Polehn

Introduction

 

Hi, I’m David, and I’m running for Zone 4 on the school board.


I’m a parent, a volunteer, an engineer, and a problem-solver. My family and I live here in The Dalles, where I’m raising three kids who attend both public and private schools. I work in advanced manufacturing and engineering, where I’ve built my career solving complex problems with creative, practical solutions. I want to bring the same mindset into the classroom as a youth basketball coach—helping kids believe in themselves and grow through teamwork and discipline.


I also serve as an Officer in the Army National Guard, and I’ll be taking Battery Command this May. My job is to train soldiers to win—and I want to bring that same focus and commitment to our schools.


The primary reason I’m running is simple: I want every student in our district to feel like they can win at learning.


Too many kids are falling behind in core subjects like math and reading—not because they aren’t smart, but because the system isn’t working for them. I believe we can change that by focusing on what works: strong fundamentals, high expectations, and a culture of excellence that includes everyone—students, teachers, parents, and administrators.


If elected, I’ll ask tough questions, listen to the community, and fight for practical, student-first solutions. I believe in brilliance in the basics—getting the foundational things right so our kids can thrive.

I’m not here to play politics. I’m here to help fix what’s broken and build something better.


Thank you—and I’d be honored to earn your vote.

What is a Schoolboard member?

What you are hiring me to do.

 School board members play a critical role in the governance of public education in their districts. They are responsible for setting the vision and goals for the school district, establishing strategic plans that reflect the needs and goals of the community, and ensuring these are effectively implemented. 


 School board members also serve as leaders and representatives of the community, advocating for students and the school district. They maintain open communication with the community and represent the interests of all citizens. 

What motivated you to run for Schoolboard?

 I’m running because I believe we can do better for our kids. I want to champion student success, raise achievement in math and reading, and make sure parents have a real voice in education. I believe in putting students first and returning to brilliance in the basics. 

What specific skills and experience do you bring?

I bring real-world leadership experience in engineering, systems thinking, and problem solving. I’ve led teams, managed complex projects, and built infrastructure. Most importantly, I’m a parent who wants to see our schools operate with excellence, accountability, and common sense. 

Where David Stands on the Issues

School Choice

Graduation Standards

Curriculum Content

I support school choice. Every family should have the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their child. Competition breeds excellence—and it’s time we prioritized student outcomes over bureaucracy.


Curriculum Content

Graduation Standards

Curriculum Content

Our curriculum should unite—not divide—students. I support teaching true history, civics, and critical thinking, not ideologies that promote resentment and division. I oppose incorporating curriculum like Project 1619 that promotes Critical Race Theory in Oregon Public Schools. 


Graduation Standards

Graduation Standards

Curriculum Transparency

 I support restoring graduation standards that require students to demonstrate proficiency in essential skills. A diploma should mean something. We are doing a disservice to students by lowering expectations. Let’s raise the bar and prepare students for life beyond high school. 

Curriculum Transparency

Curriculum Transparency

Curriculum Transparency

I support making school curriculum more easily accessible to parents (e.g., posting it online) Parents deserve easy access to curriculum materials. Transparency builds trust and strengthens the parent-school partnership.


Parental Notification

Curriculum Transparency

Parental Notification

I support schools notifying parents if their child chooses to be identified by a different pronoun at school.  Parents must be included in important decisions affecting their children. Transparency and communication are key to student well-being.

Health Clinics

Curriculum Transparency

Parental Notification

I oppose teenagers receiving reproductive or gender-related care at school without parental notification.  Parents should be involved in their children’s healthcare decisions. These are serious matters that should never be kept from families.

State Control (SB1583)

State Control (SB1583)

State Control (SB1583)

I oppose SB1583, which gives the state more control over curriculum and school materials. Local school boards and communities—not Salem—should decide what’s best for their students. I stand for local control and parental involvement.

Book Shelf

State Control (SB1583)

State Control (SB1583)

I oppose offering books with sexually explicit LGBTQ+ themes at K-12 public school libraries. Sexually explicit content, regardless of theme, does not belong in our schools. We must protect the innocence of children and respect family values.

Sex Education

State Control (SB1583)

Comprehensive Sexuality Education

I oppose the current comprehensive sex education in Oregon public schools. I support age-appropriate, factual sex education with full parental consent. The current curriculum oversteps and often promotes ideology rather than health education.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Comprehensive Sexuality Education

I oppose the current comprehensive sex education in Oregon public schools. I support age-appropriate, factual sex education with full parental consent. The current curriculum oversteps and often promotes ideology rather than health education.

Transgender Sports

Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Transgender Sports

I oppose biological men competing in women’s high school sports. I stand with girls and women. Fairness matters. Biological males should not compete in female sports categories. I do support the idea that every kid should be able to compete in athletics. 

More Information

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Committee to Elect David Polehn for D21 Zone 4.

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