Camp Sherman voters to choose school candidates

John Sheldahl. Photo by Conrad Weiler

The 224 registered voters in Camp Sherman will have opportunity to vote on four issues in the May 20 elections.

First, are two Director positions for Black Butte School (BBS) District Board. Eight-year veteran, Marti Dale, is running unopposed for Position 3. Challenger Doug Curtis is running against 12-year veteran Jon Sheldahl for Position 4.

"I feel that my understanding of this school district, coupled with my desire for scholastic excellence, I can be an excellent addition to the board," said Curtis.

He and wife Rochelle currently have one child enrolled at Black Butte School and another will enter for the next school year.

Curtis has served on the site council for three years and taken part in many school activities over past years. He currently is a fisheries specialist at Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery.

Doug Curtis. Photo by Conrad Weiler

Sheldahl, former Postmaster in Camp Sherman, says he appreciates serving on the school board and enjoys keeping his hand in education. He has a graduate degree in secondary education and has worked as a teacher.

Both men agree that it will be difficult replacing head teacher Toni Foster, who has retired, but continues working on contract until a replacement may be found. BBS currently has 17 students.

Sheldahl sees no major problems at BBS and is very complimentary of efforts by many local volunteers who help at the school.

"I have no problem with Jon or the school," said Curtis. "I would simply like to have a more direct hand in participating with the direction the school takes in the future."

Dale, running unopposed, said, "I could work with either man. Both are qualified for the job."

Four board of directors seats are on the ballot for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District with incumbants Dave Elliott (Position 1) Steve Spear (Position 4) and Camp Sherman political activist Chan Cathcart (Position 5), are running unopposed.

Apparently, there is a write-in drive to elect Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff Dave Blann to Position 3, where nobody has filed.

The Jefferson County EDS (Education Service District) had no candidate filing. There is a strong write-in drive to re-elect Toni Foster to that position.

Two Directors positoins are at stake for the Jefferson County Library District.

This has little significance for Camp Sherman as the local population has permission to use the Deschutes Public Library System branch in Sisters that is only 14 miles from Camp Sherman.

Madras and the Jefferson County Library is 60 miles away.