On Friday, March 24th the Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means released their Budget Framework for the 2023-25 biennium. The framework cites four guiding principles for investments supporting the most critical issues facing Oregon: K-12 education, housing and homelessness, health care, and behavioral care.
Despite this acknowledgement, the recommended State School Fund allocation aligns with the Governor’s recommendation of $9.9 billion, which is $400 million short of what districts across the state are advocating for to maintain current services.
If this amount is upheld by the legislature, HSD would experience a funding shortfall of $10.2 million over the biennium. While we could absorb this shortfall with remaining ESSER funds, that is not a sustainable or available strategy for future biennia.
The most recent State Revenue Forecast indicates Oregon has the resources to support K-12 education at the Current Service Level of $10.3 billion in the 2023-25 biennium, so advocacy toward increasing the allocation to that dollar amount will continue. Your ongoing support is very much appreciated.
Our featured event is Jackson Elementary School’s Culture Night. More than 400 students, staff, and families participated in the event on Tuesday, March 14th. Staff and families worked together to create an immersive experience celebrating eleven different cultures, which students explored with special passports. Culture Night featured foods from around the world, activities, authentic attire, and performances. An amazing time was had by all!
Our bond update is on the tour of Tamarack Elementary School and the Liberty Solar Array project by our Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. As representatives of the community, committee volunteers give their time to provide general oversight on the direction, progress, and expenditures of bond projects. Site tours enable them to see the physical results of projects planned and designed years ago.
Hot News is produced and emailed to HSD families and staff each week school is in session. Please add the address to your “safe sender” list to make sure you always receive the latest issue. Please also bookmark our district website: hsd.k12.or.us and the 2022-23 School Year page: hsd.k12.or.us/202223schoolyear to stay informed about what’s happening in our district and schools.