A significant debate is unfolding in Oregon as lawmakers propose a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s school funding model, which has been in place for 27 years. The proposed changes have led to divisions among legislators regarding the timing and objectives of public education in the state.
Sen. Janeen Sollman from Hillsboro and Rep. Ricki Ruiz from Gresham, who co-chair the Joint Public Education Appropriation Committee, are leading this initiative. Their proposal aims to eliminate the existing Quality Education Model, along with the 11-member Quality Education Commission that has provided funding recommendations to the Oregon legislature since 1999. This overhaul comes as part of a broader legislative session that begins on February 2, 2024, during which lawmakers have only one month to debate and pass the bill.
“I think the job of our committee is really to dig in and do a lot of this work and look at the issues,” Sollman stated, emphasizing that Oregon’s current system is outdated. “No other state has a QEM-type model.”
The Quality Education Commission has historically assessed the funding necessary for a successful public education system, focusing on achieving a statewide graduation rate of 90%. Despite its recommendations, the legislature has only fully funded schools to the suggested levels once, notably approving a record $11.4 billion for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
Under the proposed legislation, the responsibility for determining school funding requirements would shift from the Quality Education Commission to the Legislative Policy and Research Office. This office would engage a public or private firm specializing in school finance analysis to conduct research and host discussions with educators statewide. Recommendations for funding levels would then be presented to the legislature’s Joint Ways and Means Committee every eight years, with adjustments for inflation during the intervening years.
Revising Educational Standards
The proposal also aims to redefine the state’s quality goals for public education. Schools would be required to maintain licensed teachers and not only achieve a 90% graduation rate, but also meet targets outlined in a 2024 education accountability law. This law mandates that school districts collaborate with the Oregon Department of Education to improve various metrics, including third-grade reading scores and regular attendance rates.
Despite the ambitious goals set forth, some lawmakers expressed concerns about the feasibility of implementing such significant changes so quickly. Rep. Emily McIntire from Eagle Point highlighted the frustrations of schools, urging lawmakers to reconsider passing additional legislation that could complicate reporting requirements. “I think that our schools are saying, ‘please stop. Please leave us alone. Please don’t do anything else,’” she remarked.
Another member of the committee, Rep. Susan McLain, who has extensive experience in education policy, expressed surprise at the bill’s scope. While there has been ongoing discussion about changing the funding model, she emphasized the need for caution in altering the criteria for funding eligibility.
Ruiz defended the proposed changes, arguing that more stringent standards would enhance public trust in the education system. “I’m just sick and tired that we put so much money into the education system and we’re seeing little to no progress,” he stated.
Ultimately, the committee agreed to advance the bill for further discussion during the legislative session, highlighting the complexities and potential impact of this significant shift in how Oregon funds its schools. As the debate continues, legislators face the challenge of balancing ambitious educational goals with the practical realities of funding and implementation.
