OSBA convention will emphasize need for revenue reform to fulfill Oregon’s education promise

The 2018 OSBA Annual Convention will have the theme of “Honoring Our Promise: Oregon Students Deserve Revenue Reform in 2019.”

At the Nov. 8-11 Portland event, OSBA will encourage school board members’ grass-roots advocacy behind a 2019 legislative agenda focused on revenue reform and cost containment. The theme marries continuing efforts toward sustainable school funding with OSBA’s advocacy campaign, known as “The Promise of Oregon.”

Conference registration opened today, Tuesday, Aug. 7.

“This is our opportunity to rally around the issue that our members have told us is their main concern: revenue reform to ensure stable, adequate and equitable funding for our schools,” said OSBA Executive Director Jim Green. “OSBA is investing $1.5 million over the next year toward resolving revenue reform, and our convention allows us to engage members and build momentum as we head into the 2019 legislative session.”

OSBA’s revenue reform work will include building local support, lobbying and conducting a statewide poll similar to its 2017 survey.

OSBA’s 72nd Annual Convention offers school board members, administrators and education advocates from around the state a chance to network, share ideas and be inspired. Dozens of workshops will cover topics ranging from ways to raise student achievement to good board governance and regional approaches to chronic absenteeism. Many workshops will provide tools and ideas for effective school board member advocacy in 2019.

The convention is also an opportunity to celebrate the triumphs of Oregon’s students, educators, school board members and districts.

OSBA offers steep registration discounts for newly elected or appointed board members and first-time attendees. Attendees save $50 if they register by Oct. 5.