Oregon Senate Republicans took to the floor to highlight the urgent challenges facing Oregon’s education system and outline real solutions to help fix them. Oregon’s education system needs real change, not more bureaucracy. Lawmakers spend more and more on education that never improves graduation rates or test scores.

“Oregonians are tired of watching the same problems get worse, session after session. Parents are frustrated, teachers are burned out, and students are falling behind,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “And yet, the system remains unchanged—bogged down by layers of bureaucracy, misplaced priorities, and policies that put politics over students.”

In 2024, the Let Them Learn Oregon ran out of time to get School Choice petitions IP5 and IP6 on the ballot, even though the Oregonian reported there was overwhelming support. IP6 has now been introduced as SJR 33 sponsored by Senator David Brock Smith (R-Coos) on behalf of Let Them Learn Oregon. SJR 33 will refer to the voters a constitutional amendment that establishes the right of a parent to choose a school choice option with funding.

Donna Kreitzberg, director and founder of Let Them Learn Oregon, wants Oregon to join 16 other states with school choice. She says the concept is bi-partisan crafted with the input of parents, grandparents, teachers, students, legislators, constitutional attorneys, and school choice think tanks and policy advocates from about 20 states. She states, “This measure will constitutionally protect homeschoolers and private schools from government interference and allow such learning environments to choose the curriculum and use education practices that best fit the needs of their students. This constitutional school choice measure will allow any student to choose a nonpublic learning environment that works best for the student. Families will be able to direct $7600 to pay for such education, including homeschooling, private school tuition, transportation, education therapy, tutors, etc.”

“Oregon education continues to play last place across the nation, even though the legislature has continued to provide more funding than ever before,” said Senator Brock Smith. As reported in the Oregonian on January 28th, 2025, ‘Oregon fourth graders who were tested in early 2024 ranked second worst in the country in math and tied with 10 other states for third worst in reading.’

SJR 33 lays the foundation for public school reform. “The current public education system is broken,” says Representative E Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls). “Fundamental reform is necessary, and we must return to common sense education principles. Excellence in education is not an option, we must do better, and this omnibus education legislation is a great step in the right direction.”

Rural Oregon Legislators have introduced SB 1100, the Oregon Education Reform Act, which is a comprehensive education reform bill. It requires instruction in a neutral manner, prohibits biological males in female sports, provides resource peace officers for each school, prohibits Covid-19 immunization for school attendance, requires parent notice of harassment, requires curriculum posted on district’s website, and provides tax credit for rural teachers and families that homeschool or pay a private school.

Bonham said, “Instead of lowering expectations and adding red tape, the focus must be on empowering students, parents, and teachers. No more political games. No more using our kids as bargaining chips. Just real accountability.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Republicans Senators have proposed a package of bills that will support SJR 33 and SB 1100:

Funding Education First (SJR 25): “Ensures school funding is prioritized within first 80 days before any other budget measure.” said Bonham.

Grants to Schools with Chronic Absenteeism (SB 456): Two out of every five students are missing too much school. We know kids don’t just wake up one day and decide not to go to school. They face real challenges that require real solutions,” said Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook).

Removes Cap for Virtual Public Charter School (SB 562): “Education should be about opportunity, not restriction. If a school isn’t working for a child, they should be free to find one that does,” said Senator Bruce Starr (R-Dundee).

Incentive Program for Child Care (SB 567): “A child’s future doesn’t begin in a classroom; it begins in the earliest years, with access to safe, reliable care. Supporting working parents and increasing child care availability isn’t just an economic issue—it’s an investment in the well-being of our children,” said Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City). “It’s results that matter, not money,” added Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction).

Let Them Learn Oregon wants Oregon parents to have a choice to provide specialized education that fits their child’s need. They are asking for emails to committee members requesting a hearing.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-13 12:18:58

Last Update: 2025-03-13 23:22:15