Oregon's Schools Need Money, Not Just Blame

Oregon's schools are in a tough spot. The state isn't giving them enough money, especially for schools with lots of students who need extra help. Instead of fixing the problem, the state is pointing fingers and saying schools need to be more "accountable. " But how can schools be accountable when they don't have the resources they need? A recent report showed that Oregon's way of giving money to schools is outdated. It doesn't consider the real costs of teaching students who need more support, like those learning English, students with disabilities, or kids living in poverty. Schools like Reynolds, where most students live in poverty and many speak different languages at home, need more specialized staff. But the state's funding formula doesn't cover these extra costs. Reynolds School District is facing some tough choices this school year. Even with some increases in state funding, they still can't cover all their costs. They've had to lay off staff, cut days from the school year, and even ask employees to take unpaid days off. This is all because the state isn't giving them enough money to do their job properly.The problem is that Oregon's funding formula is old and doesn't reflect the needs of today's schools. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Schools with more high-need students require more resources, but the state isn't providing them. This leads to conflicts between school districts and unions, high turnover rates, and burnout among staff. It's a vicious cycle that harms both students and teachers. The state needs to revise how it counts and funds students in poverty. It also needs to fully fund special education and other high-cost programs. Until then, schools like Reynolds will keep struggling, and the state will keep blaming them for not meeting performance benchmarks. But how can they meet these benchmarks when they're not given the tools to succeed? It's time for Oregon to step up and provide the resources its schools need. Blaming schools for their struggles won't fix the problem. It's time to put money where it matters and give every student the chance to succeed.