Bill Briefs
(Update) Public contracting
What it does: The bill as originally written would have created additional tasks for districts if they wanted to use a third party for some school district support services, such as busing. The bill would have made it possible for the bargaining unit to ask the courts for a judicial review of the cost analysis required in the procurement process. The bill was originally heard March 8 in the Senate Workforce Committee. For complete details of the original bill, see the March 10 Legislative Highlights.
What’s new: The Senate Workforce Committee heard the bill again April 5 with an amendment that would change the procurement process only for school districts. All other contracting agencies would be exempt from any changes. The new process would include conducting a request for information (RFI) for the cost analysis. Disagreements about the cost analysis would go to arbitration. The amendment still makes this bill a challenge for school districts.
What’s next: OSBA testified in opposition and will monitor the bill.
District facilities open to tutors
What it does: The bill would require school districts, public libraries and tribal libraries to allow tutors access to facilities when the schools and libraries are open. The bill was brought forward to address challenges parents are having with school districts addressing students' educational needs. Some students need additional supports such as a tutor. Tutors are being denied access to work with these students in school district facilities. School districts already have facility-use policies that would include tutors.
What’s new: The Senate Education Committee heard testimony April 4. Parents motivated the committee to recommend the school district work with the parents for a solution that helps the student achieve.
What’s next: OSBA testified in opposition, citing the current district policies that provide possible solutions. The bill is scheduled for a work session April 13.
Occupational therapist cap
What it does: The bill would direct the State Board of Education to adopt rules for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistant in schools, including a maximum number of students with which a therapist or assistant could work. OSBA supports the excellent work done by occupational therapists and therapy assistants but was concerned by the potential precedent set by placing a “cap” in statute on the number of students with which an educator or school employee could work.
What’s new: The House Education Committee heard the bill April 3, and it was carried over for a potential vote April 5. However, the committee did not vote on the measure April 5, and no further hearings or votes have been scheduled.
What’s next: OSBA will continue to monitor the bill.
ELL advisory group
What it does: The bill would direct the Oregon Department of Education to convene an advisory group directed to advise the department on English language learner programs. The advisory group would focus on advising ODE on specific ELL issues, including alignment of all ELL programs.
What’s new: The House Education Committee heard the bill April 5, and it was scheduled for a work session April 17.
What’s next: An amendment that is expected to be adopted would limit the membership to 15 as well as some other technical adjustments that are needed to augment the current ELL advisory group.