Statement from OSBA Executive Director Kevin McCann

Given the economic recovery currently under way, it’s time for Oregon to reinvest in education. Now that state revenues have recovered beyond pre-recession levels, the legislature should increase the state’s commitment to the schoolchildren of Oregon.

What you see here before you is unprecedented unity among the education community.

Locally elected and publicly accountable school boards have had the unenviable task over the past several biennia of having to reduce programs rather than focus on making the kinds of policy decisions they would rather have made to enhance student achievement.

The Governor's budget proposal, combined with this coalition’s proposal for an 'Investing in Student Achievement Menu,' will allow local school district boards of directors to return to the business of setting policy objectives and district goals that will focus solely on creating a stronger educational environment in our schools.

The Oregon School Boards Association strongly supports the Governor's call for a six billion dollar state school fund and will work with him and all aligned groups to ensure quick and early action on this budget in the upcoming legislative session."

Press release and further details of the coalition proposal