Schools
PPS Audit on Bond Projects Finds Delays and Overspending
The audit found concerns similar to those already widely reported, including delays on modernization projects such as Jefferson High School and the Center for Black Student Excellence.
Kotek Doubles Down: County “Must Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time”
Gov. Tina Kotek on Thursday released a statement reaffirming her position on Preschool for All, which is that Multnomah County officials must do more to address issues plaguing the program’s implementation, while reducing the tax burden on Multnomah County's higher earners.
Coalition Tells Kotek to Keep Her Hands Off Preschool for All
A group of about four dozen parents, preschool teachers and advocates gathered in front of Escuela Viva in Southeast Portland Wednesday morning for a press conference, urging Gov. Tina Kotek stop threatening Multnomah County’s universal preschool program.
Lawmakers’ Ambush of Preschool for All Gives Kotek a Nuclear Option
For now, the bill is going nowhere. But Gov. Tina Kotek is hellbent on saving the “whales” she says Preschool for All is driving out of Multnomah County.
Eleventh-Hour Amendment to Senate Bill Seeks to End Preschool for All Tax
An amendment posted late Monday night to an Oregon Senate bill seeks to end Multnomah County’s Preschool for All program.
At Vernon K-8, a More Accessible School Fundraiser Emphasizes Kindness
Jaimie Facchini’s fifth grade class at Vernon K-8 school is like many across Portland Public Schools. But between lessons on reading and mathematics, the tight-knit group of 30 also formed a separate bond through a kindness challenge that helped them raise $1,850 dollars for their school.
Portland Democratic Socialists of America Vow to Oppose Kotek’s “War on Preschool”
The Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America said today that it will fiercely oppose any attempt by Gov. Tina Kotek to pause collection of Multnomah County’s Preschool for All tax, or reduce the tax rate on the Portland region’s highest earners.
Kotek’s Education Accountability Bill Moves Through Both Chambers
The Oregon House of Representatives passed Gov. Tina Kotek’s education accountability package on Monday with bipartisan support, by a vote of 39-15. It now heads for her signature.
Kotek Says Preschool for All Tax Imperiling Oregon Tax Base
Kotek wrote to the Multnomah County chair this month to warn about taxpayers leaving to avoid the tax.
Preschool for All Denied Midyear Seats to Some Qualified Providers
Erin McCloud finds herself in an odd position. She’s about to close one of the two preschools she operates in Southeast Portland, because of a government program designed to increase preschool capacity.
Bill Granting Striking Workers Unemployment Moves to Kotek’s Desk With Benefits Limited to 10 Weeks
A bill granting striking workers unemployment benefits passed both chambers of Oregon’s legislatures on Thursday. It will now move to Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk, where she’s expected to sign it.
PPS to Begin Conversation on School Closures
Portland Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong is committing to one of the toughest tests for superintendents nationwide. Through the next year, she will begin conversations in the district around school closures.
Legislative Bulwark Against Book Bans Awaits Kotek’s Signature
Senate Bill 1098 would add extra protections to school library books at risk of removal.
Lights May Soon Grace Grant Bowl
Grant High School, the only 6A school in the state that doesn't have an athletic field with lights, is one step closer to getting some installed.
Oregon Senate Rejects Amended Bill Granting Striking Workers Unemployment Benefits
A surprising vote on the Oregon Senate floor Tuesday morning saw four Democrats join with Republicans to reject Senate Bill 916, the controversial bill that would have allowed striking workers to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks.