The New Era provided a questionnaire to all six candidates for the four open positions on the Sweet Home School Board. Five of the six sent responses. Their responses are listed below, beginning alphabetically and then rotating per question to avoid any advantage to any candidate, as is our practice. Candidates were also offered the opportunity to submit a photo.
Michael E. Adams, 54, is running for the Position 7 (at-large) seat on the Sweet Home School Board, in which he is the incumbent. He can be contacted at
Adams is a local attorney, who served in the Army JAG Corps before retiring after a 26-year career in the Oregon National Guard, where he spent seven years on active duty, including service in Afghanistan.
A native of Eagle Point, where he graduated from high school, Adams is a graduate of Northwest Christian College (bachelor’s in management communication), where he concurrently attended the University of Oregon and was commissioned through the Army ROTC. He earned his law degree from Willamette University College of Law and studied at the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College.
His wife, Katie Adams, is an elementary reading coach for the Sweet Home School District, who grew up in Sweet Home and both of his daughters graduated from Sweet Home High School. His father, Elige Adams, and father-in-law Ted Stock both live in Sweet Home.
As a young man he also worked full-time for nine months as a legislative aide to a Republican state representative in the Oregon Legislature. He has worked as an attorney for both the city of Toledo and Linn County.
He has been a Rotary Club member, served nearly 10 years on the Sweet Home Planning Commission, one year on the Sweet Home All Hazard Mitigation Committee, and has been a board member and vice president of the Sweet Home Boys & Girls Club. He also has been a board member at Camp Koinonia, a local nonprofit church camp. He has also coached youth soccer and track.
Erin Barstad, 45, is running for the Zone 8 seat on the Sweet Home School Board. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Two of her children are Sweet Home High School graduates and the third is currently a high school student. “My mother was a Sweet Home District employee, valued and respected by many.”
Barstad works as a day shift shipping supervisor for Murphy Company.
She serves on the Sunshine Industries Board of Directors and on the Sweet Home Rodeo and Events Board. She is also involved in the Booster Club and Sweet Home Cheer, at both the club and high school levels.
Matthew Bechtel, 48, is running for the Zone 8 seat on the Sweet Home School Board. He can be contacted at [email protected]. He has lived in Sweet Home since 2021, when his family purchased a home.
Bechtel and his wife have four children, 3 through 17. His oldest son is an “incredible vocalist” who won first place in the High School Talent Show. His oldest daughter was recognized with an Exceptional Student Performance this Year award last year. “Except for our 3-year-old, all of us volunteer regularly within the community.
Bechtel is a graduate (associate degree) of Clackamas Community College, of Diver’s Institute of Technology and the U.S. Army Primary Leadership Development Course (with honors).
He has worked as a customer service representative, in technical support, restaurant management, as a cemetery caretaker, and as a commercial diver.
He served six years enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard, most of which was active duty. While enlisted, he performed counter-drug operations and acted as a councilor to at-risk youth with the Portland Police Activities League. He deployed to Iraq in 2003 before being honorably discharged in 2004.
He is currently a member of the city Park and Tree Commission and the Budget Committee. He also volunteers as director of the Hope Church Food Pantry, serves as an officer at the Sweet Home Elks Lodge, as treasurer for the Shoppe of Wonders and adviser for Mrs. Claus and the Elves’ Toy Workshop, both local nonprofits.
Amanda Carter is running for the Zone 2 seat on the Sweet Home School Board. She did not submit a response to the questionnaire.
She is a graduate of Sweet Home High School and Linn-Benton Community College, where she earned an associate’s degree in nursing. She is a registered nurse.
Robert Egner, 46, is running for the Zone 7 seat on the Sweet Home School Board. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Egner and his wife of 23 years have three children, one a recent Sweet Home High School graduate and two other still in Sweet Home schools. He is a native Oregonian, born and raised in the Willamette Valley, and has lived in Sweet Home since his family purchased a home in 2018.
Egner is a graduate of West Albany High School and has earned aerospace welding training certifications. He has worked for Pacific Cast Technologies for 20 years and has expertise in titanium welding, straightening, heat treatment, localized heat treatment, visual/dimensional, and finish grinding of aerospace parts.
He and his wife “are devoted volunteers who are passionate about children’s education and wellbeing. From volunteering for sports, to advocating at the board meetings, I’m always there.”
He has provided support for dance and cheer teams, school fundraisers such as senior graduation auctions, and has volunteered in public schools even before moving to Sweet Home. He volunteers with the cheer team’s “Jamboree shuttle” to ensure kids are safe during the event.
“I’m happy that my oldest daughter is now following our lead and volunteers her time with the coaching teams, while volunteering to help.”
Rachel Maynard, 34, is running for the Zone 5 seat (at large) seat on the Sweet Home School Board.
She and her husband, Jeremiah, have been married since 2011 and have two sons, Zachary and William. “Tragically, our oldest son Zachary passed away in July of 2020, and his memory continues to inspire and guide so much of what we do.” She has lived i
Maynard has attended “some college” and has been a licensed real estate agent for more than 10 years. She also has worked in customer service and as a waitress. She serves on the county Parks and Recreation Commission and as a support volunteer for Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District. She also leads a women’s grief group.
Why do you want to be a Sweet Home School Board member?
Mike Adams: I have served on the Sweet Home School Board for more than 6 years, between the different periods of more than 7 years of active-duty military service during the last 14 years. I do consider it a way to give back to the community. I originally ran for the school board because I did not want to see the community’s swimming pool close. Now that I have retired from the military, I would like to keep serving. I want to provide a place where everyone can present their public views, which results in better decisions by the School Board as to what is in the best interest of our community and its students.
Erin Barstad: I love this community and my desire is to help it be successful. Focusing on our young people and developing a solid foundation is one way I can serve.
Matthew Bechtel: Initially, I did not intend on running for a seat on the School Board, however a few prominent members within our community suggested I would be a good fit. I began researching the position, and asking people about the schools. I discovered the majority of the students are uncomfortable with issues in the school, and its clear their education is suffering. The poor literacy and low graduation rates are a precise reflection of this observation.
Amanda Carter: Did not respond to this question.
Robert Egner: Our children are attending public schools when education is at a crossroads. I will bring balance and a non-partisan approach to making the right decisions. Additionally, I disagree with the barriers that are in place regarding public participation. I believe that all parents deserve to be heard and I will be our voice when I’m elected.
Rachel Maynard: I will be a voice for those who often go unheard. I care deeply about our
schools, our kids, and our community, and I’m committed to making decisions that put students first. I bring a servant’s heart, a steady voice, and a willingness to listen, learn, and lead with integrity.
With my background in community service and real estate, I understand how to bring people together, solve problems, and advocate for what’s right – even when it’s not easy. I’m not running for a title – I’m running to make a difference. If elected, I will work hard every day to make sure every student has a safe, supportive, and successful path forward.
What, in your opinion, is the state of the Sweet Home School District right now?
Rachel Maynard: I believe our school district has many strengths, including dedicated staff,
resilient students, and a supportive community. That said, I also believe there is always room for improvement and positive change. Whether it’s addressing academic achievement gaps, supporting mental health, improving communication, or ensuring all students feel safe and included, we have opportunities to grow.
I see a district that is working hard – but like any organization, it can benefit from fresh perspectives, increased transparency, and a continued focus on equity and student success. My goal is to help move us forward together, building on what’s working and being honest about where we can do better.
Mike Adams: Overall, the district is generally headed in the right direction, regardless of state over-regulation and the politicization of schools. We need to be fiscally conservative, allow teachers to teach, and prepare our children to be successful and good citizens. We need to do what is best for our kids.
Our students need to continue to receive a well-rounded education and the skills necessary to be productive adults. This includes everything from beginning reading through college prep and CTE (vocational) courses.
We need to meet the needs of ALL Sweet Home students, including students with
unique needs. Necessary resources need to be allocated, including staff, to ensure student success. We need to make sure that staff have the necessary training. Students need to continue to be provided with the opportunity to engage in the full range of curriculum and activities available.
Erin Barstad: There is always room for improvement. That is why I decided to run.
Matthew Bechtel: Graduation rates are slowly rising since covid, however these numbers are still below the state average. Considering Oregon’s quality of education ranks in the mid-30’s nationally, these are not numbers to get overly excited about. Young men in particular are being left behind with only 3 in 4 graduating (77% last year). Most students who move on to a community college will require remedial classes. This should cause one to question what are the institutions, funded by tax-payers, teaching. How is it that these students, who spend 12 years in the public school system, are not prepared for entry level college courses? I believe we must go back to the basics; reading, writing, mathematics, science, technology and arts.
Amanda Carter: Did not respond to this question.
Robert Egner: We have great teachers and a supportive community. Like neighboring districts, we face difficult challenges.
The lack of public awareness and involvement in board meetings is deeply troubling. I will work for a more inclusive relationship with the public and parents.
The ongoing failure to end bullying on campus is unacceptable. I will focus on correcting our course.
Improvement of test scores and graduation rates needs to be a priority. Our students deserve academic excellence, rather than the status quo.
Regardless of high funding levels, Oregon schools are not delivering acceptable results. Complacency has led to a crisis in Sweet Home.
What do you bring to the table that you believe would help Sweet Home’s schools and students?
Amanda Carter: Did not respond to this question.
Robert Egner: Unwavering dedication to doing what’s best for the students.
Rachel Maynard: I bring a strong commitment to service, a deep love for our community,
and a willingness to advocate for those who often go unheard. My experience as a real estate agent has sharpened my skills in communication, negotiation, and problem-solving. Through my volunteer work – with Holley Church, the Linn County Parks and Recreation Board, the fire station, and leading a women’s grief group – I’ve learned how to listen with empathy, lead with compassion, and work collaboratively toward meaningful change.
I’m not afraid to ask hard questions, to stand up for what’s right, and to seek solutions that put students first. I bring a level-headed, grounded approach, and I’m committed to creating a school district where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Mike Adams: I have a broad range of experience dealing with government law. This experience has allowed me to participate in public meetings and to share insights into issues related to constitutional law, public records and meetings laws, revenue and taxation, tort claims, labor law, contract law, and public employee ethics. I would like to think this local government experience has benefited the school board.
The primary responsibility to voters is to make fiscally conservative decisions with the tax money that we have been entrusted with, and to provide a place where teachers and other staff are encouraged and supported.
Most importantly, to provide a safe learning environment where children will become good citizens, learn life skills, and hopefully develop a life-long love of learning. Wherever they end up, in the military, college, technical schools, or other jobs, we need to do what we can to make our students successful in life.
Erin Barstad: I can listen with the intent to hear and not just respond. I will stand for what is right. I will support all students and staff.
Matthew Bechtel: I bring integrity, family values and common sense to the classroom. I have experience teaching at the elementary level in a homeschool setting. When tested by the public school, my children placed at the top of their class.
What are the largest issues/challenges you see facing the Sweet Home School District and, if elected, how do you intend to address those?
Matthew Bechtel: Parents, and students alike, are dissatisfied with the current system and low standards. Given the statistics and rates, they should be. To correct this, we need parents actively engaged with school officials to ensure family values are not being eroded in the classroom. With more voices, the challenges of the students will be easier to understand and overcome. I believe parents know what is best for their children, not the state. One issue I want to address is the lack of nutrition offered during the morning meal. Children cannot be expected to sit calmly when they are fueled by sugar and empty carbs. Many studies show how a child’s behavior changes positively with an improved diet.
Amanda Carter: Did not respond to this question.
Robert Egner: Accountability for students’ success. If the students are failing, the system is failing the students.
I personally take issue with silencing parents at school board meetings. The board has placed barriers to public testimony that I will actively pursue to remove. I want to hear from parents about how to solve these tough issues together.
Rachel Maynard: One issue I hear about consistently is bullying. Parents, students, and
staff have expressed concern that it’s not being addressed effectively and that there often isn’t enough follow-up or meaningful recourse. Every student deserves to feel safe, seen, and respected at school, and when bullying goes unchecked, it damages more than just academic performance – it affects mental health, self-worth, and trust in the system.
If elected, I would advocate for stronger anti-bullying policies that are clearly communicated and consistently enforced. I’d also push for better training for staff, support for students who are targeted, and accountability for those who cause harm. This isn’t just about punishment – it’s about building a school culture of kindness, respect, and accountability. I would also prioritize hearing directly from students and families to understand where the gaps are and how we can do better.
Mike Adams: The school district needs to stop losing a huge number of teachers and staff each year. Some of it is because of salaries, and nearby districts paying more money, but that has improved in recent years.
Recruiting individuals with a connection to our community does result in staff staying for a much longer period. We need to continue to take action to provide a stable environment and minimize the impact on staff of too much state over-regulation of education.
After completing safety and other upgrades to the elementary schools and junior high, we now need to focus on safety and other needed improvements at the high school. More work can always be done to improve safety. The district has secured entrances at schools and installed cameras. Previously, I have been a big supporter of ensuring there is a school resource officer.
Erin Barstad: Did not respond to this question.
Oregon’s K-12 education system, in general, has not scored highly in national rankings. What, if anything, would you like to see done locally to better prepare local students for life after high school?
Erin Barstad: Students need exposure to the variety of career options. Offering
more life skill-type classes to help ensure students are prepared for independence. Getting students excited about trade schools as well as college.
Matthew Bechtel: To better prepare Oregon students for life after high school, I’d like to see a stronger emphasis on real-world readiness. A university level education is not a need for everybody or every profession. Tradesmen play a crucial role in the development of our society. I would like the district to continue its strengthening of Career and Technical Education (CTE), a return to the basic three R’s of education (reading, writing and arithmetic), while providing a moral environment where every child has a path to success.
Amanda Carter: Did not respond to this question.
Robert Egner: We do a good job here, but there is always room for improvement. I would like more job readiness including a focus on preparing students for a trade, community college or both. I would like an increased focus on traditional classes and life skills. We need an increase in after school activities for younger students and additional opportunities to learn about teamwork, while keeping them out of trouble.
Rachel Maynard: We need to make sure our students are not just graduating, but graduating prepared – whether that means college, trade school, the workforce, or service. Locally, I’d like to see a stronger focus on real-world readiness. That includes expanding access to career and
technical education (CTE), life skills courses, financial literacy, and internships or job shadowing opportunities.
We also need to better support students’ mental health, confidence, and problem-solving skills so they’re equipped to handle life’s challenges. Every student learns differently, and I believe in
giving them multiple pathways to success – not a one-size-fits-all approach.
By working closely with local businesses, community colleges, and vocational programs, we can create a more connected pipeline that helps students see a clear path from school to their future.
Mike Adams: Graduation rates have improved, including this last year, Sweet Home exceeded the state average. A strong K-12 program is needed to impact graduation rates, as success really begins in elementary school.
It is critical that students need a strong start developing their reading, writing and math
foundational skills to be ready for more advanced content in older grades.
I would like to see the School District continue to provide programs where students are engaged, so that they are more likely to remain interested in school. Whether it is sports, chess clubs, the forestry program, auto shop, woodshop, or welding. I think children need to continue to be exposed to different skills, industries, and jobs, and continue to be encouraged to explore what life could be like in the future.
Not everyone has to go to college, but all students must have the skills to be successful and productive members of society.
Anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to include?
Mike Adams: As our society has become more polarized, one of the biggest challenges is that we need to actively listen and respect each other. We might not agree about a particular issue, but we shouldn’t attack someone personally for their views.
We as a community need to listen to one another, have meaningful conversations, and make informed decisions on what is in the best interest for Sweet Home and our students.
Robert Egner: I am running as a parent, not a member of a group or special interest organization. I will listen carefully and make decisions that will be viable over time. Parents can count on me to continue being a voice for our schools long after I am elected.
One example: When community members were complaining online, I took action and stood up for us all. I did attend meetings to hold our local police and boards accountable, regarding the safety of our kids when we had an issue at Foster. I stood up for the parents and the children, leading to a dramatically improved policy. I met the issue head on. Our schools are safer because of my efforts.
I care deeply about our youth and our community. I am asking for your vote. Thank you.