Last modified: Wednesday, April 4, 2007 12:22 PM PDT Current Ontario School Boardmember Pamela Russell sits outside May Roberts Elementary in Ontario Thursday. Russell is running for re-election for her board position against Ontario businesswoman Nancy Alvarado. Russell stays involved By Jennifer Colton - Argus Observer Ontario - After four years on the Ontario School Board, sitting boardmember Pamela Russell said she isn’t ready to step down. At least not yet. Russell faces Ontario businesswoman Nancy Alvarado for her slot on the Ontario School board. Two other candidates — Randy Jensen and Katherine Collins — are running for a second, open position on the board. “Being a school board member is a commitment,” Russell said. “It’s more than once a month. We’ve had 15 board meetings so far this year. It doesn’t go away in the summer either. It has to be a passion, it has to be part of your heart.” Russell, who works for Halcom Insurance, grew up in Baker City, moved to Ontario from Salem nine years ago, seeking a safe place to raise her children. “We were looking to make a change,” she said. “I always thought this side of the state was a great place to grow up communitywise.” Russell said one of her key goals for her time on the board is to make and keep Ontario safe for all students. “I came from a lot of domestic violence (growing up),” she said. “High school was an escape from that. I’ve always been an advocate for child safety growing up is hard enough, so making sure they have ample opportunities in the education arena is one way we can help.” For the last two years, Russell has volunteered to work with the school board’s Legislative Leadership — talking to legislators in Salem about the concerns and needs of education in Eastern Oregon. “The learning curve is just straight up,” she said. “Working with the legislation to get your foot in the system. I’ve worked very hard to give Ontario a voice.” Part of that work is learning about national education issues, which can be a frustrating process, Russell said. “Feeling like you’re finally making headway and moving forward takes time,” she said. “Ontario has some problems, and we’re working really hard to change that. I think we’re pointed in the right direction to make some positive changes for our community and our students.” Although she said she feels she has more work to do on the school board, Russell said she will continue to work with education if she is not re-elected. “I can’t imagine not being involved in some sort of community service,” she said. “It is a great feeling to know that at the end of the day, the students in your community are going to benefit from that. I still have the passion to keep working. It hasn’t dimmed.”