The 2025 Legislature, responding to education advocates’ concerns, updated a 2021 law that required the formation of District Equity Committees. The new law, House Bill 2453, requires the committees to report to the superintendent, removes them from public meetings law and gives the superintendent responsibility for selecting members.
The Oregon Department of Education is working on updated rules for the State Board of Education to adopt in the spring, and it is seeking input. ODE is holding an engagement session at 3 p.m. Dec. 17 on draft rule changes. The session is open to community members but requires registration.
Education leaders and community members can also offer input through an online survey that includes a summary of the proposed rule changes.
The equity committees are intended to advise school leaders on the challenges and benefits for historically underserved students of districts’ actions and environments.
