Achievement. Safety. Fiscal Responsibility.
Achievement. Safety. Fiscal Responsibility.
About Jason
I’m Jason Kroker, and I’m running for the Salem-Keizer School Board in Zone 5.
I work as a Heavy Equipment Technician for ODOT after previously serving our country for 22 years in the US Air Force and Oregon Air National Guard. I've served a variety of other roles including as a Campus Monitor at North Salem, in the US Army Corps of Engineers, at the Salem Vet Center, and as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Dallas.
I grew up here. I attended Salem-Keizer schools, from Parrish to North Salem, and I know what’s possible when students are given the right opportunities. I want to make sure today’s students get the same—and more.
Laura and I walk into my stepdaughter’s school for Parent Teacher Conferences and I’m always surprised how much the environment has shifted from the focus on learning I saw when I was in school. It seems to me that we’ve lost our focus from our core job of empowering and protecting students.
Our schools should be preparing young people for success, but right now, we can and must do better. I’m stepping up to help refocus our district on student achievement and bring real accountability back to our schools.
My Priorities for
Salem-Keizer Schools
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The whole purpose of education is to set students up for success in the real world—whether that’s college, a career, or military service. But too many graduates leave without the skills they need. It should be our top priority for students to graduate being able to read, write, and be proficient in math.
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Not every student follows the same path, but everyone needs a stepping stone. For me, that was the military. For others, it might be skilled trades, apprenticeships, or technical careers. I will fight to expand CTE programs and bring industry experts into schools to help students see real-world career opportunities.
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When I worked as a campus monitor at North Salem High, I saw firsthand the challenges in keeping students and staff safe. How can students learn and teachers teach when so many are experiencing an unsafe environment?
We must bring School Resource Officers (SROs) back into schools to provide a safe learning environment. I’ve seen firsthand how vital their presence is, and I’ll work to restore these programs to protect students and staff alike.
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We expect students to be financially literate, but our district doesn’t even practice what it preaches. We need smarter spending that prioritizes student success.
Students need financial literacy courses that teach them real-world money management skills. At the same time, we need a school board that manages taxpayer dollars wisely, prioritizing classroom success over administrative waste. Let's lead by example and I'm willing to bet students will follow.
