Mary Kay Babcock for HEA President

Proven Leadership - Trusted Results

In Solidarity, We Rise -
For Every Educator,
For Every Student,
and Every School.

Candidate Statement

I am running for re-election because our educators deserve a President who will continue advocating fiercely for their safety, well-being, and workload. The challenges facing our schools are real, and educators need strong, experienced leadership that keeps our members and students at the center of every decision. I remain committed to this work and to ensuring every member feels supported, respected, heard, and valued.

As a K–12 certified music educator with 26 years of experience teaching every grade level, I am deeply rooted in the realities of our classrooms. For the past three and a half years, it has been my honor to serve as your full-time release President, guiding our union through unprecedented challenges and navigating new district initiatives.

Your support will enable me to continue leading with care, purpose, and unwavering commitment to every educator, every student, and every school. Together, we can build on the strong foundation we’ve created, strengthening our collective voice and ensuring that everyone has a safe, supportive place to work and learn. It is an honor to serve as your HEA President, and I humbly ask for your vote to continue this work.

Together, we have made meaningful progress, including:

Secured Member Wins & Protections

Negotiated a historic contract with significant wins, including clear language supporting safety and discipline, along with the highest salary increase in HEA history. (December 2024)

2024 - 3.5%
2025 - 4.75%
2026 - 4.25%

Overwhelmingly ratified Impact Bargaining for Course Outcomes, giving educators time to refine implementation while maintaining instructional integrity. (September 2025)
Negotiated HB-4030 retention and recruitment stipends, ensuring members were paid $700 before Winter Break. (November 2022)
Negotiated back pay to reflect the new contract language salary increase for summer work performed after July 1, 2022. (August 2022)

Strengthened Educator Voice & Advocacy

Hosted the largest School Funding Town Hall in the state, uniting educators, students, and community members to speak directly with elected leaders about the need for fully funded public education. (Spring 2025)
Settled an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP)—with the District’s admission of fault—protecting future member rights. (Summer 2025)
Negotiated a Calendar Committee to secure educators’ voice in district-level decision-making. (February 2024)
Hosted virtual listening sessions for counselors to improve their working conditions and workload. (Spring 2023)

Organizing, Engagement & Solidarity

Reached 97.08% membership, returning to pre-Janus levels. (2024–2025)
Enrolled 100% of new educators at New Hire Orientation, building early engagement and union pride. (August 2025)
Hosted HEA’s inaugural May Day Rally, joining the national movement to honor labor history and launch a collective call for justice, dignity, and public investment. (May 2025)

Safety, Equity & Community Partnership

Initiated Safety Watches and Trainings with the Latino Network. (October 2025)
Participated in HSD’s “Not at My School” Task Force, addressing hate speech and advocating for BIPOC and LGBTQ2SIA+ students. (Spring 2025)

Qualifications:

Local: Hillsboro Education Association:

HEA President (2022 - present)
Executive Board - Vice President (2021 - 2022)
Executive Board - Co-Membership Chair (2021-2022)
Contract Action Team (CAT) Lead - (Spring of 2021)
Building Rep Century High School - (2018 - 2022)
Bargaining Team (2024)
Bylaws Committee (2025)
Budget Committee (2022 – 2025)
Campaign Action Team (2021 – 2025)
Equity Committee (2022 – 2025)
Membership Committee (2021 – 2025)
Political Action Committee (2022 – 2025)
State School Funding Town Hall (April 2025)
HEA Interview Panel Member & Canvasser for School Board Elections (2021 – 2025)
May Day Rally (2025)
Events Committee (2021 – Present)
First Fridays (2022 – 2025)

Regional:
Washington County UniServ Council

HEA President (2022 – Present)
Secretary (2021 – 2022)

State: Oregon Education Association

OEA-RA Delegate (2021 – 2025)
OEA Leadership Training (2023)
OEA Bargaining Conferences (2023 & 2025)
OEA Lobby Day (2025)
OEA★PAC Conference (2024)
I-HEAR Summit (2023 – 2024)
Activist for Red for Ed (2019)

National: National Education Association

HEA Delegate to NEA-RA (2022 – Chicago, IL)
OEA Delegate to NEA-RA (2023 – Orlando, FL • 2024 – Philadelphia, PA • 2025 – Portland, OR)
OEA’s NEA★PAC Chair (2025 – Portland, OR)
NEA Leadership Conference (2025 – Detroit, MI)
NEA-NCUEA Leadership Training (2022 – Denver, CO)
Every Student Succeeds Act Training (2019 – Washington, D.C.)
National Council of Urban Education Association (2021 - Hollywood, CA)
NEA EdActivists (2021 – Present)