Election season is here once again, and Marion County has some seats to fill.

The 2025 special district election will take place May 20. All prospective candidates have filed their paperwork, and ballots will be mailed to voters April 30.

Four school board seats are up for election in Woodburn, and three of the four races are contested.

The Woodburn School District board has been under the spotlight in recent months following a controversial vote over a resolution to affirm the safety of the district’s immigrant students.

The board initially voted not to affirm this statement protecting migrant students; however, after significant public outcry, board members held a revote and passed the resolution.

Three of the five board members who participated in these votes are running in the upcoming election. Members Ryan Beyer and Courtney Elwell, who voted to affirm the statement in both meetings, are up for reelection, as is Noemi Legaspi, who voted against the resolution the first time and abstained from voting the second time.

Lonnie Benham

Lonnie Benham is running in a contested race for the Woodburn School District Position 1 school board seat.

“I’m a retired utility foreman, a grandfather, and a past volunteer youth coach — not a politician,” he said. “I’m running because only 17% of our elementary students can read at grade level, and that’s unacceptable. I’ll bring common sense, raise expectations, and put students — not politics — first.”

In addition to working as a utility foreman in Oregon and Washington, Benham has also taught state water distribution certification classes and coached and refereed youth sports. According to his filing documents, Benham also served as a shop steward representing his fellow workers during his time as a foreman and was a Woodburn Senior Estates homeowners association architectural committee member.

Benham earned his diploma from Lebanon High School and attended Bellevue Community College for one year.

Benham has received an endorsement from former state Rep. Tracy Cramer.

If elected, Benham would serve a 2-year unexpired term, replacing current board member Lisa Carr, who was voted in earlier this year to fill a vacated seat. Benham is running against challenger Michael Vasquez.

Michael Vasquez

Michael Vasquez is running in a contested race for the Woodburn School District Position 1 school board seat.

“I’m running for the Woodburn School Board because I care deeply about our students, our teachers, and the long-term success of our community,” Vasquez said. “I’ll bring a steady, collaborative, and solutions-focused approach to the board — working to support quality education, responsible budgeting, and policies that reflect our community’s values. I’m not running for politics — I’m running to give back to the community that raised me.”

In addition to currently working as a legislative aide in the Oregon State Senate, Vasquez has worked as a director for Oregon U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas’ campaign and as a policy coordinator for the local farm workers union Pineros Y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste. Vasquez has also served on the Woodburn School District Budget Committee.

Vasquez, a Woodburn native, earned his diploma from Woodburn High School and his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Oregon.

Vasquez has received endorsements from the Marion County Democrats and the Woodburn Education Association.

If elected, Vasquez would serve a 2-year unexpired term, replacing current board member Lisa Carr, who was voted in earlier this year to fill a vacated seat. Vasquez is running against challenger Lonnie Benham.

Alexander Hunt

Alexander Hunt is running in a highly contested race for the Woodburn School District Position 2 school board seat.

“I will do my best to make sure that our students and teachers find a positive and hopeful sanctuary in our schools,” Hunt said in the Marion County voters’ pamphlet. “I will work for programs and opportunities that improve engagement and help where our schools have often fallen short. I will do my best to use my experiences and background to make the best decisions I can to better our schools and provide for those who rely upon them.”

Hunt currently works in retail and serves as a volunteer firefighter. According to his filing documents, he has no prior government experience.

Hunt earned his diploma from Woodburn High School and a bachelor’s degree in resource management from Oregon State University.

Hunt is running against incumbent Noemi Legaspi and newcomer Debbie Ballweber Wolfer.

Noemi Legaspi

Current board member Noemi Legaspi is seeking reelection in the highly contested race for the Woodburn School District Position 2 school board seat.

“I’m a first-generation American, a mom, and a mental health counselor who helps kids in this community every day,” Legaspi said. “I know what our students are facing, and I’ve worked to raise expectations while making schools safer and more supportive. As a school board leader, I’ve stayed focused on what’s best for students — and I’m running to keep it that way.”

Legaspi currently works as a mental health clinician for Anabel’s House Children and Family Services. She has also previously worked as an instructor at Pacific University’s Woodburn campus and as a college and career specialist, substitute teacher and sports coach for the Woodburn School District.

In addition to currently serving as the Woodburn School District board chair, Legaspi has also been the board chair for the district’s budget committee.

Legaspi earned her diploma from King City High School and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development from the University of California, Davis. She also has a master’s degree in marriage, family and couples counseling from George Fox University.

Legaspi has received an endorsement from former state Rep. Tracy Cramer.

She is running against newcomers Debbie Ballweber Wolfer and Alexander Hunt.

Debbie Ballweber Wolfer

Debbie Ballweber Wolfer is running in a highly contested race for the Woodburn School District Position 2 school board seat.

“Having worked in the Woodburn School District for 42 years, I not only care deeply about, but understand how, we can best serve our students and families,” said Ballweber. “Being a proud mom of three Woodburn graduates and heading into retirement, I would like to continue (to) serve our community now as a school board member focusing on accountability and transparency, reducing absenteeism, preparing our students for their career and post-secondary choices and ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all.”

In her time at the Woodburn School District, Ballweber has worked as a receptionist, payroll clerk and office manager. She currently works as a student data specialist for the district, with plans to retire in June.

According to her filing documents, Ballweber also has some prior local government experience, previously serving as a Woodburn Parks and Recreation board member. She earned her diploma from North Marion High School and a business certificate in business/tax accounting from Merritt Davis Business College.

Ballweber has received an endorsement from the Marion County Democrats.

Ballweber is running against incumbent Noemi Legaspi and newcomer Alexander Hunt.

Courtney Elwell

Current board member Courtney Elwell is seeking reelection in a contested race for the Woodburn School District Position 3 school board seat.

“I am a parent who has had four children attend Woodburn public schools where I often volunteer. I know what it’s like to want better — and to step up when things aren’t working,” Elwell said.

Elwell previously worked as a housing case manager and earned her diploma from Sheridan High School. She also currently holds the Position 3 seat on the Woodburn school board.

“I’m focused on the basics: stronger reading, real-world learning, and safe, respectful classrooms. I’m not a politician — I’m a parent who is working for kids and families every day,” Elwell said.

Elwell is running against newcomer Anabel Hernandez-Mejia for the seat.

Anabel Hernandez-Mejia

Anabel Hernandez-Mejia is running in a contested race for the Woodburn School District Position 3 school board seat.

“I’m a single mother of two students in the Woodburn School District,” Hernandez-Mejia said. “I’m running for school board because I understand firsthand the challenges many families face — like financial hardship and housing instability — and I know the difference a strong public education and a supportive community can make.”

Hernandez-Mejia currently works as a community engagement specialist for Oregon Housing and Community Services. She has also previously worked as a coordinator for the Farmworker Housing Development Corporation and the Ford Family Foundation.

According to her filing documents, Hernandez-Mejia has some prior government experience. She was previously appointed to the Woodburn school board for eight months in 2022. She also currently serves on the district’s dual language advisory board, the city of Woodburn planning commission and the Oregon Law Center and Legal Aid Services board.

“I bring real-world experience, a deep commitment to our schools, and the readiness to lead,” Hernandez-Mejia said. “This isn’t my first time stepping into a leadership role, and I’m prepared to serve with integrity, compassion, and a focus on what’s best for our students.”

Hernandez-Mejia earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing, special events and tourism from California State University, Chico.

Hernandez-Mejia has received an endorsement from the Marion County Democrats.

She is challenging incumbent Courtney Elwell for the seat.

Ryan Beyer

Current board member Ryan Beyer is running unopposed for the Woodburn School District Position 5 school board seat.

“As a scientist, school board member, and Woodburn alum, I bring the knowledge and experience to serve our students, educators, and families,” Beyer said in the Marion County voters’ pamphlet. “Our community’s success depends on our students’ success, and I am committed to ensuring every child in Woodburn receives a high-quality education.”

Beyer currently works as a natural resource specialist for the Oregon Department of Agriculture. He also previously worked in natural resource management and land use planning.

Beyer earned his diploma from Woodburn High School and a bachelor’s degree in environmental geology from Southern Oregon University.

Beyer has received an endorsement from the Marion County Democrats. If reelected, he will serve a four-year term on the school board.