Clackamas County school board members and district administrators discussed the possibility of a statewide school salary schedule during the Wednesday meeting of the OSBA Legislative Roadshow at the Clackamas Education Service District offices. OSBA’s Efren Zamudio and Lori Sattenspiel (standing) will share the results of those discussions with legislators. (Photo by Jake Arnold, OSBA).
With a stop Wednesday in Clackamas, the OSBA Legislative Roadshow neared the halfway mark in its statewide tour.
Roughly three dozen school board members and district leaders gathered to hear how new laws would affect their schools. OSBA Legislative Services Director Lori Sattenspiel went into detail on issues such as education funding, school board stipends, and special education-related abbreviated days requirements.
The roadshow, OSBA’s annual fall regional meetings, continues through Nov. 1. The meetings, which include dinner and a chance to network, cover the newest education laws and possible future legislative plans. It also gives local leaders who can’t make it to the Capitol a chance to share their views.
Efren Zamudio, OSBA’s new Legislative Services specialist, said the meetings are grounding him in what school districts want so he can carry that message back to the Legislature and the Oregon Department of Education.
Wednesday’s session included a deeper dive into the possibility of statewide collective bargaining or a salary schedule for school employees. OSBA heard strong sentiment against possible legislation that would infringe on local control.
North Clackamas Superintendent Shay James said the roadshow is a golden opportunity to collaborate with peers and discuss legislation’s local impacts.
The audience ranged from new school board members to members with decades of experience.
“I always come because I always learn so much,” said Mitzi Bauer, a North Clackamas School Board member since 2016.
On Thursday, Oct. 5, the roadshow will move south to Salem. The Willamette Education Service District will host at its offices. Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6. Attendees can RSVP to [email protected].
Next week, the roadshow will make its last stop in the Willamette Valley before heading east. On Wednesday, Oct. 11, the Linn Benton Lincoln ESD will host at its offices in Albany. Dinner is planned for 5:45 p.m. with a 6 p.m. meeting start. Attendees can RSVP online.
The rest of the schedule includes stops in eastern and southern Oregon and along the coast. – Jake Arnold, OSBA
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