Re-Elect Gary Hollands
Committed and Thoughtful Leadership for Our Schools

 

“I am running for re-election to the Portland Public School Board because I believe in the boundless potential of every student. 

Our public schools are places where children from all nations, cultures, and walks of life come to learn, grow, and build a foundation for a brighter future. 

My commitment is to ensure that every student has access to the quality education, resources, and opportunities they deserve to achieve their dreams and thrive in life.”

My Priorities:

  • Advocating for and Taking Action to Elevate Students – Every decision must PRIORITIZE empowering STUDENTS to reach their highest potential by taking immediate actions to support their academic success and well-being.

  • Accelerating and Expanding Access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) – To EQUIP STUDENTS with essential skills and pathways for the careers of tomorrow by bridging education and opportunity TODAY.

  • Ensuring Accountability and Financial Transparency – Ensuring that EVERY DOLLAR spent directly BENEFITS and maximizes outcomes for our STUDENTS and schools by managing resources with diligence, transparency, and integrity.

Accomplishments

  • Oversaw a $2.2 billion budget as a member of the PPS Board

  • Board Lead in ensuring all high schoolers have access to diverse career and technical education(CTE) classes so they leave PPS ready for college or career, whatever fits them best

  • Directed successful passage of the $100+ million Local Option Levy (2023) which contributed in maintaining 600 teachers

  • demanded PPS work is open and transparent and that accountability to taxpayers, our students and families was prioritized

  • Oversaw completion of successful renovations of many schools, including Benson Tech, Lincoln, and McDaniel High Schools

  • Consistently demanded increase funding from the state so that students asd our schools get what they need to succeed

Gary Hollands for Portland Public School Board Zone 5

Meet Gary Hollands

In addition to serving as a PPS Board member since 2022, Gary has also served on the Multnomah Education Service District Board (MESD), where he worked to embed diverse cultural and linguistic voices into the organization's fabric. As an MESD board member, Gary ensured that diversity policies and processes were reviewed and updated to reflect the communities Multnomah ESD serves.

Gary is the Executive Director of the Albina Sports Program (ASP). ASP was founded by Phil Walden, a beloved coach and educator who was passionate about reaching young people through basketball, football, and track programs. He started the Albina Roadrunners track team and the ASP to help youth achieve their athletic and academic goals. Gary’s goal is to continue this legacy in the community.

Gary started his business twenty-five years ago, providing opportunities for people of color in the truck driving industry. Gary had the first African American truck driving company to obtain a B.O.L.I.-approved trucking apprenticeship program and the first truck driving academy, Interstate Trucking Transportation Academy. He has built relationships and collaborated with public partners and private industry companies. More recently, his Driving Diversity in Portland program has helped over 100 and counting students receive their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL), which helps to ensure they can earn a living wage.