As promised, here are my notes from the most recent Eugene 4j School Board meeting of Wednesday, Sept. 27, when the Board selected a replacement member for Laural O’Rourke who resigned.

Of the 23 applicants, 7 were voted as Finalists to be interviewed. Three applicants dropped out for various reasons, leaving 4. Whichever candidate received 4 of 6 votes would be selected.

Ericka Thessen

Laura McGinnis

Thomas Anil Oommen

Scott Fellman

In Round 1 members voted for their top choice: Maya Rabasa, Jenny Jonak, and Tom voted for Ericka; members Judy Newman and Rick Hamilton voted for Scott; member Morgan Munro voted for Laura McGinnis. No candidate received 4 votes.

In Round 2 members voted for 2 choices: Maya, Jenny, Judy, and Tom voted for Ericka who was selected with 4 votes. Thomas Anil and Scott received 3 votes; Laura 2 votes.

Ericka fills in the empty Position 2 through June 30, 2025. Her level of specificity on each question is commendable. She clearly has followed our district closely; she has served on the Budget Committee; she has/had children attending 4j schools; she cares and understands neurodivergent learners.

Congratulations to Ericka. I look forward to working with her in my advocacy for positive change to our district.

You can watch the school board meeting here. Our suggested timestamps:

Erica Thessen's recorded interview at the 4 mins. and 55 secs. timestamp. 

The Board voting in 2 Rounds begins at the 1hr and 37 secs timestamp.