Together We Can Fully Fund Oregon’s Public Schools
Oregon’s public schools have been underfunded for decades and face an unprecedented crisis.
Teacher strikes, deteriorating facilities, staffing shortages, persistent achievement gaps, and the threat of permanent school closures. This is the reality facing education in Oregon today.
Adding to the challenges is an impending budget crisis for the 2024-2025 school year, with a potential statewide shortfall exceeding $115 million. Decades of insufficient state funding, compounded by the end of federal COVID relief funds, rising costs, and increased student needs are exacerbating the financial deficits at the district level.
We are a parent-led, grassroots effort to pass a ballot initiative to require full funding for Oregon public education.
Fixing our underfunded schools won't happen overnight, but enough talk—let's take real action.
We intend to initiate a ballot measure for the November 2026 election. It will change the state constitution to make sure our schools get the funding they need — mandating full funding for education by the legislature. This isn't just spending money; it's investing in our state's future.
We're confident we can make history, achieving the biggest stride for education Oregon has ever seen.
Join us—stakeholders, volunteers, advocates—in this crucial effort. Together, let's build a better, fairer education system for all.
Amendment Details
Petition 2024-51 was filed for the 2024 election deadline. The original filing aims to add an amendment to the Oregon constitution. At a high level, the amendment would require:
Fund public K–12 schools to the full amount recommended by the Quality Education Model (QEM)
Create fully fund state-wide, universal Pre-K
Create reading proficiency by grade 3
Ensure reading education methods work for all learning abilities
Cap class sizes
What is the Quality Education Model?
In 1999, the Oregon Legislature created the Quality Education Model (QEM) to determine the appropriate level of funding needed for a successful, high-quality public education system. The QEM produces an estimate of how much we need to spend on Oregon public schools to deliver a quality education to all K-12 students. However, the state has never funded education to the QEM's recommended levels, leading to a persistent funding gaps and an education system that is falling behind.
FAQs
-
This is a grassroots movement without lobbying or funding from special interest groups. We are dependent on passionate volunteers. That said, money talks. If you would like to donate, please click here.
-
This ballot initiative does NOT increase taxes, it just prioritizes spending. School funding will come from the same local and state funding sources it does now. The difference is, kids will finally be a priority. Our children will no longer have to compete with lobbyists, special interests, and unions for the baseline education funding they deserve. We have a choice, we can pay for education now or pay the price of a less functional society later.
Yes, Measure 5 and Measure 40 have hugely impacted the lack of education funding. Our state tax system is broken. It’s the legislature's job to fix it. It’s our job as constituents to ensure they are clear on our priorities.
-
Our Legislative Assembly has never in its history funded the QEM. Many honest Legislators will tell you very clearly that they have no intention to fund the QEM. We can't wait another 25 years for that to change.
-
No! This initiative funds the QEM and then adds the most effective, efficient and equitable components of a quality education: early education access, reading proficiency, maximum class sizes, capital needs, and behavioral and mental health challenges.
-
In terms of legal protections, no one in the country values children's education less than Oregon. We have nothing beyond a moral obligation to educate our children. When we fail in that obligation, as we have consistently for decades, children have no recourse. No entitlement. No right to anything better.
A constitutional amendment is the only way for Oregon children to have the same protected rights enjoyed by children around the country. Something the Legislative Assembly can't take away or ignore.
Oregon is generations behind most states, who enacted or recognized children's constitutional right to education during the Civil Rights Era.
Get Involved
-
01. Join Our Team
We're a small, dedicated team with ambitious goals. While we have specific roles to fill, we're also looking for individuals who share our passion for our cause. If you're ready to make a difference, we invite you to get in touch using the form below.
Specific needs include:
– Graphic design
– Social Media
-
02. Donate
Every contribution makes a difference in our mission to create positive change. Your financial support is invaluable. Join us in making a difference by donating today. Together, we can build a better future for Oregon. Click here to make your contribution.
-
03. Organize Community
We're seeking leaders and passionate individuals from all communities across Oregon. If you're ready to spearhead positive change within your community, we want to hear from you. Fill out the contact form below, and we'll reach out to you soon.
-
04. Gather Signatures
In order to become a measure on the 2026 ballot, we need ~250,000. Your help is valuable. Fill out the contact form below. You’ll be sent a virtual training guide and you can get started. Together we can make this happen.
Get in Touch
We can’t wait to change the future for kids in Oregon. If you want to volunteer, learn more, or simply say hello, please contact us.
Email
qualityeducationoregon@gmail.com
