Challenges, successes for schools

By Richard Devlin

, Sep 24, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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The 2009-10 school year is under way and I would like to welcome all the students, teachers, and school employees back to school and hope everyone has a productive and rewarding year. The Legislature faced many challenges this session and the global economic downturn forced us to make significant cuts across state government.

Even while the nation is facing the worst recession in generations, the Legislature was able to put forth a K-12 budget that left the school year intact and maintained many investments in Oregon kids. However, school districts still had to make enormous sacrifices. Many school districts dug deep into their reserve funds, budgets for new textbooks and technology were eliminated, extracurricular activities were diminished and too many good teachers lost their jobs. Despite these challenges the Legislature was able to keep school doors open and protect the critical investment made last session in Head Start. During the 2007 session $39 million was allocated to provide Head Start services to 3,000 additional children. This school year Oregon will continue to prepare 6,500 low income three and four year olds to succeed in school.

The Legislature also took several steps forward in trying to address specific needs in our schools during these difficult times. As families across the state continue to struggle, many students are going to school hungry. This year state funding will allow schools to provide free breakfast for all low-income students, including those currently paying a portion of the full price. Offering a free nutritious breakfast will help kids arrive in the classroom ready to learn.

Additionally, as food transportation costs increase and farmers in Oregon continue to struggle, the Legislature is committed to supporting local farmers as well as providing students with fresh, local nutritious foods. Through federal funding the state is expanding the Farm-to-School Program, which will help school districts provide their students with local fruits and vegetables as well as teach students about the importance of good nutrition and agriculture.

In 2007, I was a chief sponsor of legislation that created the Beginning Teacher and Administrator Mentoring Program, a program that provides individualized support to first-and-second year teachers and administrators. I am pleased that during this difficult time the Legislature understood the importance of preserving this program and improving the skills of new teachers and administrators. I view this as an important and essential program for new educators and while I am glad we were able to invest $5 million this biennium, I am hopeful that when the economy rebounds we can further expand this program.

Losing teachers costs local districts $40 million a year and impacts student achievement. This program is a great investment in ensuring we provide our students with highly qualified and prepared teachers and administrators. One additional success that merits mention was the passing of legislation to help educator’s access high quality professional development by creating a “one stop shop” Web site to find opportunities to improve their skills and create a more rewarding learning experience for students.

As the school year continues I hope everyone has a great year full of challenges and successes. While there is a level of uncertainty regarding the revenue forecast I will continue to advocate for improved education funding and the establishment and continuation of programs that better prepare students and provide teachers with additional support.

Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin, Tualatin, represents Oregon Senate District 19. The district includes Lake Oswego, West Linn and portions of Southwest Portland.