Bill Briefs

Graduation data
House Bill 2147

What it does: The bill would require every post-secondary institution in Oregon to provide data about students attending that institution, specifically the number of Oregon high school graduates from each Oregon school district enrolled at that institution and the graduation rates of Oregon high school students from that institution, by school district.

What’s new: The Senate Education Committee heard HB 2147 on Tuesday. Rep. Mark Johnson (R-Hood River), chief sponsor of the measure, testified that the measure could provide “great information for local school districts about where their students are going.” OSBA Legislative Specialist Richard Donovan testified in support of the measure, indicating the value of the kind of information in the measure, “especially as we move into the post-Ballot Measure 98 world” when school districts will be responsible for a variety of new programs.

What’s next: The measure has had a series of friendly amendments introduced and adopted as it has moved toward ratification, all with the goal of clarifying the text of the measure while avoiding unintended consequences. On May 2, the Senate Education Committee will consider one final set of amendments for the measure. The committee will also likely vote to move the amended measure to the floor of the Senate.

Activity access for charter schools
Senate Bill 208-A

What it does: The bill would require that school districts give public charter school students residing in the district access to district activities. Prior to being moved to the floor, the bill was amended by the Senate Education Committee to put sideboards on the access, including the ability of the district to charge up to 5 percent ADMw to the charter school per student for participation in those activities.

What’s new: The Senate voted 28-1 (1 member excused) in favor of the measure. Sen. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) presented the bill, saying it “gives charter school kids an opportunity to participate in sports and other activities that enrich their education and life experience.”

What’s next: SB 208-A will move to the House of Representatives for consideration.