PROBLEM SOLVERS: State mobilizes resources for Bend-La Pine district after Silver Rail school shooting

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency to reduce bureaucratic burdens and mobilize state resources for the Bend-La Pine school district following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. The shooting resulted in the deaths of three students and one teacher.

The emergency declaration immediately mobilizes the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and opens access to state funds for the affected district. State agencies have been instructed to provide continuous operational support.

“I have directed state agencies to dedicate people and resources to help meet these needs,” Kotek said. “Not for a few days, but for the long haul.”

To assist with funding and administration, the Oregon Department of Education is assigning full-time staff to help the district coordinate grant applications and access School Emergency Response to Violence funds. Dr. Charlene Williams of the Oregon Department of Education emphasized the state's role in supporting local schools through the tragedy.

“In moments like these, schools become more than buildings, they become places of healing, connection and care,” Williams said. “Our responsibility is to help ease the burden. As our governor just said on Ben La Pine schools. Even in the smallest of ways and help make sure the school district has the resources, flexibility and support it needs to maintain focus on students, educators and families.”

The Bend-La Pine school district requested nearly 90 substitute teachers for the first day of classes following the shooting. To ensure adequate staffing levels, the Oregon State Police is expediting background checks for substitute educators, crisis counselors and other professionals.

Additionally, the Oregon Employment Department is deploying staff to help district employees access Paid Leave Oregon if they require time away from work.