Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

As a homegrown graduate of our public schools, and a college instructor, education is a major priority for me. I want Oregon to reclaim our standing as a place of excellence for our students, teachers, and parents. A robust economy and engaged electorate depend upon accessibility to high quality, innovative educational opportunities. Below are commitments that I made and a report of the progress we have made in the Oregon Legislature during the 2015 and 2016 Legislative sessions.

Promises Made:

*"QEM-Plus 3" baseline funding formula: implementation of Quality Education Model funding targets with additional above baseline support for community developed workforce development priorities
*Mandatory "Civics" curriculum (12-year program for students at each grade level)
*Maximum Class sizes, maximum student-teacher-support staff ratios, and mandatory teacher training support requirements
*Statewide investments in regional workforce priorities through community colleges, trade apprenticeships, and benchmark private/public partnership incubators
*State-sponsored incentives for community/business/retired seniors volunteer incentives

Promises Kept:

*Increased state investments in K-12 funding to $7.4 Billion;
*Increased state investments in community colleges to $530 Million and
*Increased university investments to $700 Million, which included a 28% boost for Western Oregon University;
*HB 2928 creates a task force to explore ways to reduce class sizes in our public schools;
*HB 4002 develops a statewide plan to address chronic absenteeism in K-12 schools, with policy suggestions of how we can help our students successfully complete their primary education;
*Secured $12.6 million for Western Oregon University to renovate Oregon Military Academy and Natural Science buildings;
*HB 4021 requires the State Treasurer and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to explore ways to lower interest rates on student loans;
*HB 2545 requires that schools provide free lunches for students who are eligible for reduced price lunches;
*HB 2955 administers funding for an annual conference on civics as well as creates an Oregon Civics Day for teachers.

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