Learn about the Oregon State Education Investment Board and proposed changes in the Educational System
Educate yourselves about the proposed changes to the Oregon education system from pre-kindergarten through college. Governor Kitzhaber's initiative focuses on early childhood programs and school readiness for the 0-5 population in order to give children a better start in their education. The proposal includes youth development for students from 6-20 and career readiness. The university system will have more independence. SB 909 was passed in the 2011 Session to establish the Oregon Education Investment Board and the Early Learning Council.
The Legislature during the February 2012 Session will be making decisions on the implementation of the Early Learning Council and the Youth Development Council. The new councils, which are due to receive funds from the Oregon Commission on Children and Families, could be placed under the Department of Administrative Services. Regional agencies can apply to be administrative hubs for contracts with local social service agencies. More detail can be found in documents on the Governor's website at http://www.oregon.gov/Gov/OEIB/OregonEducationInvestmentBoard.shtml. This site includes a link to Oregon Learns: SB909 Report to the Legislature from Dec. 15, 2011.
Notes from any of the community meetings would be welcome. The notes will help us understand the public's reactions to the proposed changes and formulate our own position for the short legislative session. Please send them to me at the address below.
For more information: Contact Karen Nibler at niblerk@comcast.net.