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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Room for improvement ... Electric Highway aims to spark more EV use ... Rogue River man held on murder charge ... Room for improvement ... Electric Highway aims to spark more EV use ... Rogue River man held on murder charge ... Former Medford school board member Paulie Brading dies Comment By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 13, 2015 at 12:17 PM Updated Jan 13, 2015 at 4:59 PM By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 13, 2015 at 12:17 PM Updated Jan 13, 2015 at 4:59 PM » Social News A former member of the Medford School District's board of directors has died after a bout with pancreatic cancer. Paulie Brading, who served on the board from 2008 to 2013, died Sunday afternoon at her home. She was 66 years old. Brading, who also served as chair of the Jackson County Democrats and Jackson County Public Health Advisory Committee, is remembered by her colleagues and loved ones as an advocate for K-12 students, especially those from minority communities or disadvantaged backgrounds. "She was able to advocate for kids who may not have the same level of advocacy or voice, whether that be kids of poverty or kids who fall into the demographics of a minority community. She was really instrumental in being a support system for them," said Tom Cole, Kids Unlimited executive director. Brading was also a key player in getting charter schools, including Kids Unlimited's program, off the ground, Cole added. "It was a really important endorsement at that time from someone in her position," he said. School board member Marlene Yesquen said Brading helped bring new leadership to the district. Both were critical of former district superintendent Phil Long's job performance and his ability to take direction from the board. In a Q&A video with the Mail Tribune during her candidacy for the board in 2013, Brading said Long made a good effort in his position, but that he lacked some know-how when it came to running a school district. Long's contract with the district expired in June 2014. "I think her legacy was that she helped change the leadership of the district, which helped the district become more effective for all of its students," Yesquen said. Yesquen echoed Cole's sentiment that Brading was a staunch proponent of helping minority students succeed, especially through her support of ELL programs and time spent on the district's Latino Advisory Committee. "She wanted to bring Latino issues to the forefront," Yesquen said. Jackson County Democrats Chair Lynn Howe said Brading was energetic and articulate in her support of party candidates. "I think she was incredibly stubborn and persistent in what she wanted to see happen," Howe said. Brading's husband, Ron Fox, recalls his wife as a genuine persona whose private and public words and actions were consistent. "She sort of talked the talk and walked the walk," Fox said. "She was very humble." Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected] . Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil . By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 13, 2015 at 12:17 PM Updated Jan 13, 2015 at 4:59 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501