Join the Movement!

You are here

Oregon Blog

Your thoughts? Your thoughts.

+Share

Last night, I sent around an email in response to the Governor's press conference. Today, we received an unprecedented outpouring of thoughtful replies from you, and we decided to share them. Read below to learn what Oregonians who care about education think about the Governor's proposed budget compromise.

A vote for these Portland candidates is a vote for Portland kids

+Share

In the past few years, Portland Public Schools has identified some of the factors that inhibit our kids from getting the excellent education that they deserve. The district has set ambitious goals and milestones; and then last month they released a supportive budget. These are some huge first steps to improving outcomes.

Stand Leader Janeen Sollman for Hillsboro School Board

+Share

The Hillsboro chapter of Stand for Children is pleased to announce its endorsement of Janeen Sollman for the Hillsboro School Board. The chapter knows that Sollman will stand up for students, teachers and parents in the Hillsboro School District.

"I will consistently involve the community to make sure each child's needs are met. I have strong ties in Salem, and I will continue to advocate for adequate school funding," she says.

Here's a bit about Janeen, and her recent accomplishments as the Hillsboro Board Chair:

These Beaverton School Board candidates will stand up for kids

+Share

This has been a trying year, no doubt, for the Beaverton School District. Last year, we saw a $37 million decrease in the district budget, the elimination of 340 teaching positions, layoff of 100 teachers, and transfer of 365 teachers and counselors. In times like these, strong leadership will go a long way. That’s why the Beaverton Chapter proudly endorses the following candidates for the school board.

Portland Public Schools puts emphasis on closing the achievement gap

+Share

These days, it’s a rare occasion to look at school district budgets without cringing. Our statewide budget crisis has left classrooms with more students, fewer resources and overtaxed staff. And many of our children who are struggling most – students from low income backgrounds, students of color and those learning English -- aren’t receiving the services and support they need to succeed in school.   

Reynolds leaders announce board endorsements for the May ballot

+Share

Far too many children in the Reynolds School District aren't getting the education they deserve. Last year, only 58 percent of high school students in the district graduated on time. That's simply unacceptable.

So with elections around the corner, the Reynolds chapter is pleased to announce their endorsement of two school board candidates – Robert Lee and John Lindenthal. Stand leaders know that with strong school board leadership, Reynolds will keep a steady focus on the success of our kids.

This week at the Oregon Legislature: SB 822, Poverty Weighting

+Share

The co-chairs of the Joint Ways and Means Committee announced their cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) plan Monday as part of their package to achieve $805 million in savings in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) as part of a package to provide $6.75 billion to schools this biennium.  Sen. Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin) and Rep. Peter Buckley (D-Ashland) introduced Senate Bill 822, which modifies PERS by cutting retirees’ COLA by approximately $400 million this biennium and eliminates the tax reimbursement for retirees living out of Oregon for an additional $55 million in savings.

This week at the Oregon Legislature

+Share

Here’s a quick update on what happened last week, and what’s on the calendar for these coming days.

Reynolds parents ask the Senate for a yes vote on tuition equity

+Share

At 1 p.m. today, the tuition equity bill will receive a hearing before the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee. Parents from the Reynolds School District will submit the letter below.

Chair Hass and other members of the Senate Education Committee:

We are parents and family members of students in Reynolds School District (RSD) writing this letter in support of the Tuition Equity Bill 2787.

This week at the Oregon Legislature: Poverty Weighting, Parents on Achievement Compact Advisory Committees

+Share

Since the latest budget proposal, stakeholders in education have focused the conversation on the State School Fund (SSF). However, I don’t want our members overlook a variety of other opportunities to weigh in on initiatives that will improve public education in Oregon. All three Stand-championed initiatives will receive a hearing this week. These initiatives are important to building a system in which ALL kids may thrive, regardless of their background.

Pages