Oregon House, Senate Republicans outline education priorities, legislation this session
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon House and Senate Republicans announced legislation Thursday to dramatically reform public education that includes restoring graduation requirements, expanding options for school choice, and holding education leaders accountable for student outcomes.
According to a statewide poll from January 4-7 of this year, 67% of Oregonians support expanding options for school choice, the House GOP members said in a news release, which continues in full below:
“We have pushed multiple unfunded mandates on our schools, we are still recovering from our students being out of school for two years during COVID, and now we are struggling with behavior and mental health issues in every classroom,” said Rep. Emily McIntire (R-Klamath Falls), vice-chair of the House Committee on Education.
“We need to look at simplifying our systems, holding those in charge accountable, and making sure that we are giving our students the education we promised them.”
Bills they support include:
HB 2051 – Requires a student to meet standards in reading, writing and math before getting a high school diploma.
HB 2672 – Allows students to attend schools in a nonresident school district with the consent of the receiving school district.
HB 3361 – Uses money from the General Fund to fund the Summer Learning Grant Program.
HB 3451 – Establishes the Superintendent of Public Instruction as a nonpartisan statewide elected office.
HB 3215 – Allows chambers of commerce, community-based organizations, industry trade associations, corporations, and nonprofit organizations to sponsor a public charter school.
“Every Oregon child deserves a quality education,” said Rep. Christine Drazan (R-Canby). "But recent scores show public schools continue to fail thousands of students. We urgently need more options for students and their families to succeed.”
“Our current education system has placed the misguided interests of bureaucrats ahead of learning,” said Rep. Boomer Wright (R-Reedsport). “We have heard and listened to parents and students who want to raise the cap on open enrollment, fully fund summer learning programs, and provide greater access and funding to charter schools.”
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Later Thursday, Oregon Senate Republicans issued a news release on their comments on the Senate floor on the legislation:
Senate Republicans Offer Real Solutions for Oregon’s Education Crisis
SALEM, Ore. – Today, Senate Republicans took to the floor to highlight the urgent challenges facing Oregon’s education system and outline real solutions to help fix them. Oregon’s education system needs real change, not more bureaucracy.
“Oregonians are tired of watching the same problems get worse, session after session. Parents are frustrated, teachers are burned out, and students are falling behind,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “And yet, the system remains unchanged—bogged down by layers of bureaucracy, misplaced priorities, and policies that put politics over students.”
Instead of lowering expectations and adding red tape, the focus must be on empowering students, parents, and teachers.
Funding Education First (SJR 25): “SJR 25 puts education first, ensuring school funding is prioritized before any other budget measure. No more political games. No more using our kids as bargaining chips. Just real accountability,” said Bonham.
Tackling Chronic Absenteeism (SB 456): “Two out of every five students are missing too much school. We know kids don’t just wake up one day and decide not to go to school. They face real challenges that require real solutions,” said Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook).
Expanding School Choice (SB 562): “Education should be about opportunity, not restriction. If a school isn’t working for a child, they should be free to find one that does,” said Senator Bruce Starr (R-Dundee).
Increasing Access to Child Care (SB 439, SB 567): “A child’s future doesn’t begin in a classroom; it begins in the earliest years, with access to safe, reliable care. Supporting working parents and increasing child care availability isn’t just an economic issue—it’s an investment in the well-being of our children,” said Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City).
“It’s results that matter, not money,” added Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction).
