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State on cusp of approving $2 billion investment in public schools
5/6/2019The Oregon Legislature is on the cusp of making a historic $2 billion investment in the state’s preK-12 education system.
Last week, the Oregon House of Representatives passed House Bill 3427, which would establish a new commercial activity tax on businesses, coupled with a personal income tax reduction for most Oregonians. The bill, if passed, is expected to generate $2 billion in new revenue every two years, of which $1 billion would be appropriated to an equity-focused School Improvement Fund that would be distributed directly to school districts.
Districts would have flexibility to use the money from the fund to best meet the needs of its students within four main areas: student social-emotional health and safety, well-rounded educational opportunities such enhanced elective options, smaller class sizes, and more learning time. Early estimates suggest Portland Public Schools would receive about $80 million of the revenue biennially.
“Public schools have long endured chronic underfunding, and I am encouraged that the Oregon Legislature is moving in the right direction,” said Guadalupe Guerrero, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools. “The vote moves us one step closer to realizing a higher quality preK-12 public education model that will support districts to implement key strategies, including the expansion of early education opportunities, increased student behavior supports, improved adult-to-student ratios, strengthened arts education offerings, and other key priorities that will narrow persistent gaps found in student achievement.”
The remaining money would pay for early learning investments; expand access to school meals; fully fund Measure 98 (a 2016 ballot measure that earmarks money to improve high school graduation rates); increase resources for the High Cost Disability Fund; and fully fund Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education.
The House approved the bill on May 1, and the Senate is expected to vote on it this week. If passed, it would go to Gov. Kate Brown for her signature.
The bill is the result of work by the Joint Legislative Committee on Student Success, which was established in January 2018 to develop a plan to improve student outcomes. The committee met during the 2018 session and conducted a road show over the summer and fall to meet with students, teachers, administrators, school employees, school board members, parents, business leaders, and other stakeholders. The tour included a Sept. 27 event at Madison High School.
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