Oregon House Republicans have announced their support for $9.6 billion to fully fund schools. This amount was requested by the state’s education leaders to support the 2021-2022 school year and will contribute to fully reopening Oregon schools for in-person learning by the fall.

“We have to get our kids back in the classroom for full in-person learning. Fully funding their education is part of making that happen,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby.) “They have suffered enough mental health setbacks and learning losses with virtual and hybrid school. We made a commitment last week that will let families and students choose full in-person learning by the fall, and this week we’re committing to fully funding our schools so we can accomplish that goal.”

Teachers from around the state have asked their legislators to fully fund schools next year, including Elaine Poole from Canby: “Our students are dependent on your support to make sure that they can return to schools that have the resources that give them an opportunity moving forward.”

Submitted testimonies on SB 5514 from school administrators, the statewide teachers union and other education supporters say that anything less than a $9.6 billion state school fund will force school districts to make layoffs and other cuts.

The push from House Republicans comes a week after announcing HB 3399, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would reopen Oregon’s schools to give parents the option of 100 percent in-person learning by the 2021-2022 school year.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-05-12 09:53:03

Last Update: 2021-05-12 16:27:39