Two candidates, business owner Katie Rhyne and health policy assistant Rebecca Descombes, are vying to succeed Monique Ward in Position 6 on the Hillsboro school board. Here is how both candidates responded in their own words to questions posed by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Responses have been lightly edited for style and to meet word limits.
Q: What do you consider the two most pressing issues in the Hillsboro public school system to be and why? How will you address these as a board member?
Rhyne: The two most pressing issues in Hillsboro are a significant budget deficit, as well as student mental health. It will be extremely important as a board member to advocate for funding for the programs and departments at our district that are most in need and to approve budget plans that prioritize our most vulnerable areas.
Descombes: Student mental health is negatively affected when their personal representation and identity are erased and ignored (as is being done at the federal level), and board members must ensure that policies enacted show that we value the identity and diversity of our student body.
My two older children, who both went through mental health and relationship issues in the district, talked of how it would have been better had there been resources that addressed their specific needs. Whether that was teacher/counselor support or accessible outside resources. Relationship issues are tied to mental health, and I am speaking about all of the connections that students have: teachers, family, friends, romantic partners, work or with their own selves. Health and wellness training for both students and teachers is important to me and making sure that the Hillsboro school district utilizes the many outside resources to help address these ongoing issues.
Q: Enrollment has declined about 8% since 2019. If budget cuts are necessary in response, what would you propose for cuts? What would you prioritize or protect?
Rhyne: Budget cuts are an unfortunate fact of public education in Oregon, which is why I will be an advocate for our district for more accurate funding than the current service level. We need approval of state funds that would allow us to prioritize success for every student, and fewer legislative mandates that districts must then assume the burden of funding.
There is an ebb and flow to enrollment, but districts are better able to withstand these with more comprehensive funding support.
Descombes: Regardless of enrollment, students and teachers deserve an educational system that gives them the best opportunities to be successful.
Q: What is your occupation?
Rhyne: I have been the business owner and licensed massage therapist of a massage therapy practice since 2015.
Descombes: Health Policy Assistant, Health & Environment Policy Coordinator, COVID-19 Partner Specialist: Native American/Alaska Native Communities, Census Equity Coordinator, Community Engagement Coordinator
Q: What is your educational background?
Rhyne: Massage therapist certificate from Oregon School of Massage, 2013. Bachelor of arts in literature from Claremont McKenna College, 2002.
Descombes: Bachelor of arts in political science, minor in law & legal studies, minor music education. Certified community health worker, Native American/Alaska Native communities.
Q: Do you have children in the Hillsboro School District?
Rhyne: I have a student currently in the 11th grade in the Hillsboro School District who has attended HSD public schools throughout his education.
Descombes: No. I have a 2 year old in an early childhood program, a 19 year old who graduated from Hillsboro High School in 2024 and a 22 year old who graduated from Many Nations Academy.
Q: What’s your opinion of the performance of Superintendent Reiman? How would you hold him accountable?
Rhyne: Superintendent Reiman has had a long tenure working in the Hillsboro School District prior to his current role, and that has given him a genuine understanding and rapport with the district’s families and students. His hosting of informal coffee chats and opportunities to interact with him – both in English and Spanish – has also built trust in the community. I would hold him accountable by taking part in the annual performance review of the superintendent, for which the school board is responsible, and by contributing honest feedback and initiating constructive discussions about the administration and management of the district.
Descombes: I have always appreciated the Hillsboro School District’s bilingual programming. As an Alaska Native, I have also appreciated its Native American Parent Advisory Committee that supported my students throughout K-12 grades.
Q: How will you balance the needs of students with those of teachers as represented by their union in instances where those may be at odds?
Rhyne: Knowing, valuing and empowering every student is the mission of HSD, and teachers and staff certainly holdthe crucial role in achieving this goal. Although students’ needs are paramount, teachers and staff should not be asked to perform outside of the parameters of their union contracts, and the school board would not ask them to do this. In the case of students and staff being at odds, the school board and district would follow proper protocols with the administration and union representatives to address these issues.
Descombes: It is so important to listen, understand and empathize with both the student and the teacher. Students and teachers have the same goal in mind and that is to watch and walk across the stage to receive their diploma. I plan to have open communication and a willingness to negotiate to find solutions that benefit both students and teachers.
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