Something very positive for public education is afoot at the State Capitol, and - at the risk of being overly optimistic - I want to report to you that we've heard good things from legislators and Gov. Kulongoski about the education budget requested by the participants of a broad coalition of education advocates that includes OSBA.

The governor and several legislators have indicated they want to push through the $6 billion education budget in March - in time for school districts' budgeting process. There is reason to hope that the additional $300 million requested by the education coalition for specific programs to advance student achievement will be coming to districts, too.

Undoubtedly, a fortuitous turn of Oregon's economy played a big part in this education-budget picture. But the wide range of citizens demanding that state government re-invest in our greatest asset - the education of our children - has been huge.

Our own David Williams represented OSBA during discussions by the education coalition members as they worked to identify school programs that, with additional funds, would lead to improved student achievement. I want to compliment all the coalition members: This is the first time in recent memory that such a broad coalition has come together to make itself heard at the Capitol, letting legislators know that they represent Oregon's major players in public education.

We're fully aware that our requested budget is not a "done deal." Our Legislative and Public Affairs staff and others at OSBA continue to work for the budget daily. Tricia Yates, our director of Legislative and Public Affairs joins, legislators, state officials and representatives from COSA and OEA on the School Revenue Forecast Committee, formed by former Gov. Kitzhaber in 1999, to help the state calculate a current service level budget. And we continue to support re-investing in Oregon schools when we speak with business and community organizations and the news media.

You are crucial in the struggle to make the education coalition budget a reality. Many of you will be joining us at the Capitol during the OSBA/COSA Legislative Conference Feb. 18-19. Beyond that effort, I urge you to arrange meetings with your legislators in your district for a "show and tell" about really getting behind student achievement by adequately and consistently funding our schools. At the conference we will provide you with materials and training on how to deliver this message. I hope to see you there.