It’s been a year-long battle for Education Freedom for Oregon to get to the point to collect signatures for school choice to be on the November 2024 ballot. Initiatives 2024-5 and 2024-6 began as 2024-1, a school choice constitutional amendment. However, in January 2022, it was rejected by Secretary of State Shemia Fagan because it was not specific to one issue.

The initiative was split and refiled on May 25, 2022. The Oregon Supreme Court released these titles on February 10. Initiative 2024-5 amends the constitution: Parent may select any public school statewide; district must admit, space permitting. Limited admission priorities. Initiative 2024-6 amends the constitution: State funds provided for private, religious, homeschool, tuition/expenses when parent declines K-12 public school.

The original titles were challenged in the Supreme Court by Reed Scott-Schwalbach, president of the Oregon Education Association, objecting to the Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum’s modified ballot title for 2024-5 and approval of 2024-6. The Supreme Court did their own modification to 2024-5 and upheld the title for 2024-6.

The Education Freedom for Oregon Executive Committee were disappointed the teachers’ union used a time wasting ploy to delay collecting signatures. President Donna Kreitzberg is glad to finally be able to kick off the "Let Them Learn" campaign. She says, “The ‘Let Them Learn’ campaign says goodbye to the artificial limits that have held many Oregon children back. The education of the past isn’t built with any particular student in mind and makes education options a privilege for the few. The education of tomorrow recognizes the inherent uniqueness of every child and offers a wide-range of options not determined by zip code or income.” Perhaps teachers and their unions will see that the campaign is for students, and not a threat to teachers.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Summary for 2024-5 petition gives parents right to select any public/charter school statewide if child is not suspended or expelled from current school. Priority given first to resident of attendance zone (assigned area where resident sends child to specific school); second to district resident; third to outside district. When space limited, school must use lottery for each priority level, give child equal chance of selection. No admission criteria/preference allowed. Admission open throughout school year. District not required to transport child outside assigned attendance zone. State adopts uniform application for enrollment. Applies starting July 2025.

Summary for 2024-6 petition requires state funding of public schools. Statutes permit funds for private activities, including alternative education programs, extracurricular activities for homeschooled students. Constitution prohibits funding religious institutions. Measure requires state to provide funds for K-12 private schools, religious schools, homeschooling, and other education expenses when parent declines public school. Legislature calculates “basic school support funding amount,” which must be greater of $9,500 or average amount per student provided to school districts. When requested, state must deliver 80% of basic support amount to an account, administered by nonprofit of parent’s choice, for educational services. May use funds remaining after high school for Oregon colleges, vocational schools. Those receiving funds need not change creed, education practices, admissions policy, curriculum. Applies starting July 2025.

For information on the initiatives, the rulings and modified ballot titles, see the IRR Database. Education Freedom for Oregon has launched the "Let Them Learn" signature gathering drive and ask for your help.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-02-15 08:05:19

Last Update: 2023-02-15 14:15:09