Directory of Agencies and Organizations

State Agencies

The following list includes state agencies that deal with education and can help reporters interpret school laws or regulations.

Department of Education
255 Capitol Street NE, Salem 97310-0203
Telephone: (503) 378-3569
FAX: (503) 378-5156
Web site: www.ode.state.or.us

Department of Education staff exercise all administrative functions not conferred by law on some other agency related to supervision and management of public elementary and secondary schools.
Telephone: (503) 378-3600, ext. 2223

State Board of Education is a seven-member board appointed by the governor for four-year terms to oversee the operation of public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges.
Telephone: (503) 378-3600, ext. 2209

State Superintendent of Public Instruction is an elected official and serves under the direction of the State Board of Education, as the executive head of the Department of Education. The Superintendent’s term of office is four years. (ORS 326.305)

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Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development
255 Capitol Street NE, Salem 97310
Telephone: (503) 378-8648
FAX: (503) 378-8434
Web site: www.workforce.state.or.us

Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development staff exercise all administrative functions not conferred by law on some other agency related to supervision and management of Oregon’s community colleges. (ORS Chapter 341) 
Telephone: (503) 378-8648, ext. 357

Commissioner for Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development is appointed by the State Board of Education and serves as the executive of the Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development. (ORS 326.375)

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Fair Dismissal Appeals Board
Oregon Department of Education
255 Capitol Street NE, Salem 97310
Telephone: (503) 378-3600, ext. 2348
Fax: (503) 378-5156
Web site: www.ode.state.or.us

Fair Dismissal Appeals Board is a 20-member board appointed by the governor for four-year terms to hear appeals by teachers and some categories of administrators dismissed by school boards. (ORS 342.905 to 342.930)

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ERB
528 Cottage Street NE, Suite 400, Salem 97301
Telephone: (503) 378-3807
FAX: (503) 373-0021
Web site: www.erb.state.or.us

Employment Relations Board (ERB) is a public body, composed of three members, including a chairperson, appointed by the governor, to administer the Oregon Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act. One member has a background in labor; one has a background in management; and one has a background generally in the labor-management relations process. The board also employs hearings officers, mediators and support staff. (ORS 243.650 to 243.782, 662.405 to 662.445 and 663.005 to 663.325)

ERB’s Mediation and Conciliation Section provides mediation services for the resolution of collective bargaining disputes and grievances in public and private employment, training and facilitation in interest-based bargaining and problem-solving techniques, and lists of factfinders and arbitrators for the resolution of labor disputes. Telephone: (503) 378-6471, ext. 246

ERB’s Hearings Division conducts two types of hearings: complaints alleging that unfair labor practices have been committed and petitions to determine which employees can be represented by a union. The Hearings Division’s elections coordinator conducts elections in which employees choose between union representation and no representation for the purposes of collective bargaining. Telephone: (503) 378-3808, ext. 225

Generally, reporters should depend on information from the affected districts or unions for information about ERB rulings.

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GSPC
100 High Street SE, Suite 220, Salem 97301-3607
Telephone: (503) 378-5105
FAX: (503) 373-1456
Web site: www.gspc.state.or.us

Oregon Government Standards and Practices Commission (GSPC), established by vote of the people in 1974, is a seven-member citizen commission charged with enforcing government standards and practices (ethics) laws. Government standards and practices laws are intended to assure that public officials do not violate public trust. The GSPC also enforces lobbying laws and some provisions of public meeting laws. Prior to 1993, the agency was known as the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.

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OEWP
255 Capitol Street NE, Suite 126, Salem 97301
Telephone: (503) 986-6546
FAX: (503) 378-3225
Web site: www.governor.oregon.gov or www.state.or.us/agencies.ns/12100/12106/index.html

The Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Policy (OEWP) was established in 1997 to replace the Workforce Quality Council and the Office of Educational Policy and Planning (OEPP). OEWP provides statewide policy direction on education and workforce issues, and provides regional education and workforce stakeholders a direct link to the governor.
OEWP is assisted by a policy cabinet comprised of education and workforce agency administrators and by groups of education and workforce stakeholders. The office leads or staffs various committees dealing with a wide variety of education and workforce issues, to include school transformation, financial aid, and implementation of the Federal Workforce Investment Act and other workforce activities.

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OUS
Office of the Chancellor
PO Box 751, Portland 97207-0751
Telephone: (503) 725-5700
FAX: (503) 725-5709
Web site: www.ous.edu

The Oregon University System is governed by an 11-member board appointed by the governor to oversee operation of Oregon’s public four-year universities. (ORS Chapter 351)

Oregon University System staff, headed by the Chancellor, exercise all functions, not conferred by law on some other agency, relating to supervision and management of the state’s seven institutions of higher learning.

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PERS
11410 SW 68th Parkway, Tigard 97223-8634
PO Box 23700, Tigard 97281-3700
Telephone: (503) 598-7377
FAX: (503) 598-0561
Web site: http://oregon.gov/PERS

Public Employees Retirement System is the public retirement system for state, county, municipal, school and other public employees. Both employees and employers make pension contributions to the system. (ORS Chapter 238)

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TSPC
465 Commercial Street NE, Salem 97301
Telephone: (503) 378-3586
FAX: (503) 378-4448
Web site: www.tspc.state.or.us

Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (ORS 342.350) is a 17-member commission appointed by the governor for three-year terms to:

• Establish rules for teacher and administrator certification;
• Issue teaching certificates;
• Take appropriate disciplinary action against educators and school districts found to be in violation of Oregon statutes or performance standards;
• Adopt standards for teacher preparation programs offered by institutions of higher learning;
• Evaluate teacher preparation programs every five years to assure compliance with the standards and approve teacher preparation programs that are in compliance with the standards.

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State Organizations

The following list includes state organizations you can call for a variety of school-related information. These agencies are especially helpful when you want to give a local issue a state or regional perspective.

AFT-Oregon
7035 SW Hampton Street, Tigard 97223
Telephone: (503) 595-3880
FAX: (503) 595-3887
Web site: www.aft-oregon.org

American Federation of Teachers - Oregon (AFT-Oregon) is a statewide union for affiliated locals of the American Federation of Teachers. Its membership, however, is limited. Its locals represent a variety of education employees including K-12, community college and higher education faculty and classified staff. AFT-Oregon is affiliated with the Oregon AFL-CIO.

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Chalkboard Project
425 NW Tenth Avenue, Suite 400, Portland 97209
Telephone: (503) 542-4325
Web site: www.chalkboardproject.org

Chalkboard Project is funded by five private, Oregon-based foundations whose goals are to help Oregon schools be among the best in the nation - schools that Oregonians will want to support with adequate, stable funding. Its objective is ensuring a quality K-12 public education system by strengthening accountability and providing an adequate and predictable funding source. The foundations involved are: Meyer Memorial Trust, Oregon Community Foundation, Ford Family Foundation, Collins Foundation and Jeld-Wen Foundation.

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COSA
707 13th Street SE, Suite 100, Salem 97301-4035
Telephone: (503) 581-3141
FAX: (503) 581-9840
Web site: www.cosa.k12.or.us

Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) is a professional association for school administrators, including superintendents, principals, assistant principals, and other central office administrators.

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E3
1100 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 1625, Portland 97204
Telephone: (503) 952-0001
FAX: (503) 228-9767
Web site: www.E3oregon.org

E3: Employers for Education Excellence is a statewide non-profit organization working with employers and schools to boost student achievement. E3 promotes high academic standards and strong community involvement to prepare all Oregon students for success in post-secondary education and employment. Founded in 1996, E3 works in partnership with business, education, and civic leaders statewide, educating the community about the link between high standards and high levels of academic achievement; bringing diverse opinion leaders and key constituencies together to explore education issues and set the stage for action; and providing tools, training and assistance to equip employers, educators and community members to take action to improve public education in Oregon.

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OAESD
2001 SW Nye Avenue, Pendleton 97801
Telephone: (541) 966-3102
FAX: (541) 276-4252
Web site: www.open.k12.or.us/oaesd

Oregon Association of Education Service Districts (OAESD) represents all 20 education service districts in Oregon. It was formed to help education service districts work together to enhance programs, services and products for local school districts toward the goal of improved learning for all students.

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OASBO
PO Box 1068, Salem 97308-1068
Telephone: (503) 588-2800
FAX: (503) 588-2813
Web site: www.oasbo.com

Oregon Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) is a professional association of the Business Managers of Oregon’s public schools. The purpose of the association is to provide professional growth opportunities for its members; and to strive for the highest standards of ethics, efficiency and economy in the business methods and practices for the members.

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OCCA
1201 Court Street NE, Suite 302, Salem 97301
Telephone: (503) 399-9912
FAX: (503) 399-9286
Web site: www.occa17.com

Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) is a voluntary association whose members consist of Oregon’s 17 community colleges. OCCA serves as the advocacy voice for the community colleges at state agencies and the Legislature.

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OEA
6900 SW Atlanta Street, Portland 97223-2513
Telephone: (503) 684-3300 in Portland, or 1-800-858-5505
FAX: (503) 684-8063
Web site: www.oregoned.org

Oregon Education Association (OEA) is a statewide association for non-administrative public school employees - prekindergarten through community college. OEA represents the majority of teachers, community college faculty and education support professionals in Oregon. The organization is an affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA).

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OPEN
PO Box 228, Marylhurst OR 97036-0228
Telephone: (503) 675-4067
FAX: (503) 675-4203
Web site: www.open.k12.or.us

Oregon Public Education Network (OPEN) is a statewide telecommunication project designed to (1) assist in providing access to a statewide network; (2) provide Web-based information, curriculum, resources, education standards and instructional support to Oregon educators; and (3) coordinate technology acquisition for schools through refurbishment of donated used computers. OPEN is an Oregon Association of Education Service Districts’ project partnering with all schools, the state Department of Education, the State of Oregon, community colleges, higher education and education associations such as COSA and OSBA.

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OSAA
25200 SW Parkway Avenue, Suite 1, Wilsonville 97070-9616
Telephone: (503) 682-6722
FAX: (503) 682-0960
Web site: www.osaa.org

Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) is a non-profit association made up of member Oregon high schools. The association regulates all interscholastic athletics and activities following standards adopted by the State Board of Education.

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OSBA
1201 Court Street NE, Suite 400, Salem 97301-4188
Telephone: (503) 588-2800 in Salem, or 1-800-578-6722
FAX: (503) 588-2813
Web site: www.osba.org

Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) represents boards from local school districts, education service districts, community colleges and the state Board of Education. OSBA serves board members and districts with legislative representation, board training, management services, policy development, labor relations, communications and other field services. Membership in the organization is voluntary. OSBA’s annual convention is in November in Portland.

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OSEA
4735 Liberty Road S, Salem 97302-5036
Telephone: (503) 588-0121 in Salem, or 1-800-252-6732
FAX: (503) 588-8307
Web site: www.osea.org

Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) represents classified employees in Oregon schools, ESDs, community colleges and park and recreation districts.

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OSSA
2001 SW Nye Avenue, Pendleton 97801
Telephone: (541) 966-3102 (George Murdock, Executive 
Director)
FAX: (541) 541-276-4252
Web site: www.oregonssa.org

Oregon Small Schools Association (OSSA) is a non-profit entity organized for the purpose of improving instruction in small elementary and secondary schools (public and private) in Oregon.

The association’s main goal is to improve instruction in Oregon schools by promoting and facilitating excellence in teaching by providing staff development opportunities.

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PTA
531 SE 14th Avenue, Room 205, Portland 97214
Telephone: (503) 234-3928
FAX: (503) 234-6024
National Web site: www.pta.org
Oregon PTA Web site: www.oregonpta.org

Oregon Congress of Parents and Teachers (PTA), an affiliate of the National Parent Teachers Association, is a volunteer organization of parents whose main objective is to promote the welfare of children.

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Stand for Children
516 SE Morrison St., Suite 206, Portland 97214
Telephone: (503) 235-2305
FAX: (503) 963-9517
Web site: www.stand.org

Oregon Stand for Children, founded in 1999, is Oregon’s leading voice for children, bringing together people from all walks of life to make children a top political priority. Oregon Stand for Children believes in investing in our children now - in their education and enrichment from pre-school through high school, their health, and their safety - to ensure they have a fair chance in life and to create a better future for Oregon.

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Regional and National Resources

NWREL
101 SW Main Street, Suite 500, Portland 97204-3297
Telephone: (503) 275-9500
FAX: (503) 275-0448
Web site: www.nwrel.org

Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) is a private, non-profit corporation conducting research, development, training, technical assistance and other services for schools and communities. Its products and publications are made available to educators and the public. NWREL’s primary service area is the Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. It is one of a national network of 10 educational laboratories. NWREL works under grants and contracts with the United States Department of Education, state education agencies, local education agencies and other organizations.

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NSBA
1680 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3407
Telephone: (703) 838-6722
FAX: (703) 683-7590
Web site: www.nsba.org

The National School Boards Association is a not-for-profit federation of state associations of school boards across the United States. Its mission is to foster excellence and equity in public education through school board leadership. Founded in 1940, NSBA currently, through its Federation of State Associations, represents 95,000 local school board members, virtually all of whom are elected. These local officials govern 14,890 local school districts serving the nation’s more than 47 million public school students.

The association’s School Board Journal and other publications provide a valuable resource for state and local education stories that involve federal funding or federal regulations.

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U.S. Department of Education
Washington, DC 20202
Telephone: 1-800-872-5327
TTY: 1-800-437-0833
FAX: (202) 401-0689
Web site: www.ed.gov

The U.S. Department of Education has responsibility for administering all federal legislation related to education. The department currently administers a budget of about $71.5 billion per year and operates programs that touch on every area and level of education. The Department’s elementary and secondary programs annually serve approximately 14,000 school districts and nearly 54 million students attending more than 93,000 public schools and 27,000 private schools. Department programs also provide grant, loan, and work-study assistance to more than 9.5 million postsecondary students.

The ED Organizational Directory, http://web99.ed.gov/EDLocator, provides a detailed list of the department’s headquarters and regional offices, including the manager, telephone number, and address for each office, as well as fax and TDD/TTY numbers where available. Calling 1-800-872-5327 also can access the directory.

Use the Guide to U.S. Department of Education Programs, http://web99.ed.gov/GTEP/Program2.nsf, to find the name, telephone number, and e-mail and Web addresses for the Department office to contact for more information on each of the programs that the Department administers.

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