Together We Can Fully Fund Oregon’s Public Schools
Oregon’s public schools have been underfunded for decades and face an unprecedented crisis.
Teacher strikes, deteriorating facilities, staffing shortages, persistent achievement gaps, and the threat of permanent school closures. This is the reality facing education in Oregon today.
Adding to the challenges is an impending budget crisis for the 2024-2025 school year, with a potential statewide shortfall exceeding $115 million. Decades of insufficient state funding, compounded by the end of federal COVID relief funds, rising costs , and increased student needs, are exacerbating the financial deficits at the district level.
We are a parent-led, grassroots effort to pass a ballot initiative to require full funding for Oregon public education.
Fixing our underfunded schools won't happen overnight, but enough talk—let's take real action.
We’ve initiated a ballot measure for the November 2024 election. It will change the state constitution to make sure our schools get the funding they need — mandating full funding for education by the legislature. This isn't just spending money; it's investing in our state's future.
We're confident we can make history, achieving the biggest stride for education Oregon has ever seen. Join us—stakeholders, volunteers, advocates—in this crucial effort. Together, let's build a better, fairer education system for all.
Amendment Details
Petition 2024-51 aims to add an amendment to the Oregon constitution. At a high level, the amendment would require:
Fund public K–12 schools to the full amount recommended by the Quality Education Model (QEM)
Create fully fund state-wide, universal Pre-K
Create reading proficiency by grade 3
Ensure reading education methods work for all learning abilities
Cap class sizes
What is the Quality Education Model?
In 1999, the Oregon Legislature created the Quality Education Model QEM to determine the appropriate level of funding needed for a successful, high-quality public education system. The QEM produces an estimate of how much we need to spend on Oregon public schools to deliver a quality education to all K-12 students. However, the state never funded education to the QEM's recommended levels, leading to a persistent funding gaps and an education system that is falling behind.
FAQs
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This is a grassroots movement without lobbying or input from special interest groups. We are dependent on passionate volunteers. That said, money talks. If you would like to donate, please click here.
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This ballot initiative does NOT increase taxes nor does it have a prescriptive funding mechanism. … Blurb about our broken tax system and how it’s the legislature’s job to fix, not the voters.
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We know it’s late in the game. We need ~200,000 signatures by July 4, 2024. We believe our community can move mountains. We also have contingent plans to push eduction funding into the top priorities for the next state legislative session.
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… details about creating a protected right to education and how it allows a path for recourse if injustice occurs. Other paths include…
Get Involved
01. Collect Signatures
In order to become a measure on the 2024 ballot, we need ~250,000 signatures by July 1. Your help is valuable! Sign up for a virtual training to canvas for signatures. Together, we can make this happen!
02. Organize Community
Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.
03. Join Our Team
The load is lighter if we all help carry. We need individuals who have any of the following expertise:
Graphic design
Social media
Why Quality Education is Important
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It is a Human Right
Education is a fundamental human right that enables individuals to lead fulfilling lives, participate in their communities, and contribute to society. Access to quality education is essential for the development of skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to thrive in today’s world.
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Economic Growth & Poverty Reduction
Quality education is a key driver of economic growth and development. Education enables individuals to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to participate in the workforce, start their own businesses, and contribute to the economy. It also helps to reduce poverty by improving job opportunities and increasing incomes.
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Social & Gender Equality
Education is a powerful tool for promoting social and gender equality. Quality education helps to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to learn and develop their full potential, regardless of their gender, social background, or economic status. Education also plays a critical role in promoting tolerance, respect, and understanding among different cultures and communities
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
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Phone
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