10:31 AM PST on Friday, February 4, 2005

Compiled by kgw.com Staff

The following statement was released by Porltand School Board member Derry Jackson, prior to a news briefing about his recent arrest and jail time:

Good morning Portland. Over the past few days you may have been made aware that I was taken into custody and held in a Washington County Jail on charges that I violated a Restraining Order.

Naturally, since this is a legal matter, I am not at liberty to speak about the particulars of the case. Derry Jackson is not and has never been a violent person. I have never threatened violence, nor do I use the concept of violence to intimidate people. On the contrary, I appreciate open, and concise communication with others, and welcome those kinds of conversations.

I have always believed in the principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty, which is a Constitutional right. However, I believe that the various media sources and some of my colleagues have cast a shadow of guilt upon me.

The reason why I’m here today is to discuss my participation as a director on the Portland Public School Board of Education.

I joined the board to serve a constituency that was underserved, and my allegiance and alliance are still with those folks. As I’ve told my children and anyone that I’ve had the honor to mentor or educate, NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP.

I recognize the appearance and perception that have been primarily generated by the media and special interest groups that have had a stranglehold on the Portland Public School Board for years. However, I know who I am and what I am about.

There are many who have had the opportunity to work closely with me, people who know my character, they know and I am here to let you know, I take this business of public education very seriously. I will live up to the oath of office that I took upon accepting the honor of representing the people of Portland and the education of their children, their most prized possession. I will finish out my term with the commitment and energy to address the following issues that still plague the district;

-- The number one priority for me is to eliminate the Achievement Gap. You will not find a past or present director who has achieved the level of due diligence that I have achieved, a fact the media has never and perhaps will never share with you;

-- Number two, making sure educators have an environment which is conducive to their personal and professional growth. Once again, my work speaks for itself, I welcome the opportunity to consider the advocacy and level of effectiveness achieved by this director relative to any other, both past or present;

-- Number three, assist in developing a system and strategies that will bring true financial accountability to the Portland Public School. I have identified on record systems and strategies that will bring about the sort of accountability you, the tax payers deserve, as well as identified viable options to raise revenue without raising a single dime in taxes;

-- Number four, developing real relationships merging science and mathematics to improve student’s competitiveness in areas of technology, preparing them for the jobs of the present and future. Technology being my professional and academic background, I have introduced a NASA scientist to kids in various parts of the district;

-- Number five, to work close with my colleagues to assist where I’m permitted to, and serve with respect and dignity amongst my fellow directors. I have single-handedly caused a reconstitution of the board. And since then the many of reports have identified the promise this board holds. I have given them the best in system science, some of which have been implemented, for example, the co-chair model, but most have yet to implement, no fault of my own.

As for the future, will I seek a third term? I’m open to the concept of seeking a third term. However, I must consider my youngest son, Dylan and his needs and requirements.

These last few months have put a tremendous strain on him. And I must face the reality that he is my first consideration, he is my responsibility. I am going to take time to talk to my community to see how they feel. And then I’ll meet with my advisors and determine the feasibility of another run.

The past few weeks have given me pause to consider my effectiveness and the feasibility of the nature and scope of work that has to be undertaken. I can’t say definitely today whether I’ll run or not. I’m going to take one day at a time. Like most if not all parents, I want the best for my child. And I want him and the world to know-that is the purpose of all my actions. I love my son and I feel his pain.

Thank you very much. I will entertain your questions now.