Lisa Harnisch for Salem Keizer School Board

Building bridges for the future of the children in our community.

I’ve lived in Salem for over 30 years, and I raised two kids in our local public schools. After working my way through college, I’ve spent my career supporting educational opportunities for our community’s youngest kids. As a professional, mom, wife, and volunteer for many years in our school district, I have seen what our kids need to succeed and how to make sure they get it. I am running for School Board Director in Zone 1 to continue advocating for our children’s academic success and ensuring they have the resources to thrive.

I have been involved in the schools since my kids were in school, including being on the Budget committee, Co-chair for the facilities task force, and Co-chair for the committee directing the successful school bond which provided funding to enhance all of our school buildings. I have the experience necessary to push our schools to have the highest standards for our students so they have what they need to be successful.

Our children deserve a school district that provides academic excellence and where every child thrives and feels they belong.

Lisa’s Core Priorities

  • Literacy

    I will work to enhance student success, especially in important milestones like 3rd-grade reading. Studies indicate that reading by 3rd grade strongly predicts high school graduation. We must do more to ensure children have the skills and resources to read.

  • Input & Community Engagement

    As a board member, it’s important to me to gather feedback from teachers, parents, and students. Salem-Keizer Schools are community schools, and I encourage support from the whole community; it takes everyone to help students do well.

  • Safety & Belonging

    Our students deserve board members who work to create an environment where every child feels appreciated and supported, no matter their background. I will prioritize closing resource gaps and encouraging programs that provide opportunities for success that supports students’ strong connection to their school community.

  • Academic Achievement

    The foundation of our schools is academics, and I am committed to strengthening career and technical education, as well as vocational opportunities. In today’s world, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are essential to preparing students for the workforce. As President of the Salem Art Association, I am also a passionate advocate for preserving our high-quality music and arts programs, which play a vital role in encouraging and nurturing the diverse talents of all our students.

  • "Lisa shares my hopes for all Oregon students - that they start school ready to learn; that their schools are safe; and that they are welcomed every day. I strongly support her candidacy for the School Board."

    ~Governor John Kitzhaber

  • "Lisa has a proven track record of strong leadership and dedication to the students of Salem-Keizer Public Schools. She has been a committed advocate through her service on the school board, budget committee, community bond oversight committee, and the Yes for Salem-Keizer Schools political action committee. With a deep understanding of governance and a genuine heart for students and the district, Lisa brings both experience and passion to her work."

    Former Superintendent, Christy Perry

  • “I know of no one who knows more, and cares more, about how to have all our children become proficient readers by the 3rd grade.”

    Jim Scheppke, State Librarian of Oregon (1991-2011)

Proven Track Record

  • Lisa has been serving the SKSD School Board since March 2024.

  • Executive Director since 2014. Non profit organization focusing on improving the early childhood system, prenatal to age 5.

  • SKSD budget Committee member (2018–2024).

  • Co-chair of the Facilities Task Force, School Bond Committee, and Bond Oversight Committee, securing Oregon’s largest bond to remodel schools for safety, science, and arts.

  • Board President for the Salem Art Association since 2023.

Together, we can make our schools a place where every child can succeed.

I would be honored to earn your vote May 2025.

If you are able, your donations will help strengthen my campaign and reach more of our community.

Thank you for your support!

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Website: www.lisa4skps.com

Mail: Friends of Lisa Harnisch

PO Box 5102; Salem, OR 97304