SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — On Wednesday, Oregon’s House and Senate Education Committees kicked off their session with discussions about possible new education bills.
Education is a top priority for Governor Tina Kotek this legislative session. Both K-12 and higher education are in focus, with a recent Senate meeting highlighting the urgent need for public investment in colleges and universities.
Ben Cannon, the Executive Director of Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission, shared some concerning statistics. He noted that Oregon spends 24% less per student on public education compared to the national average. Cannon emphasized how increasing funding could significantly improve student outcomes, stating, “For every additional $1,000 a state invests per student, the chances of students earning degrees rise, and their debt decreases.”
Another speaker, Margaret DelLacy, who leads the Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted, addressed issues facing talented and gifted (TAG) students. She pointed out that many believe these students can succeed without additional support, which is a misconception.
DelLacy highlighted a troubling trend: the number of TAG students has dropped by 15% over the past two decades. She argued that improved accountability within districts and equitable funding are crucial for helping these students thrive. “The current lack of state funding for TAG programs means that it falls to individual districts to manage,” she said. “This creates significant disparities — some districts offer excellent programs, while others provide little to no support.”
The House Committee on Education will continue its discussions at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
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Education,Funding,Oregon,Higher education,Senate,House Committee,TAG program,Equity
