As Geovanny Tolentino stood in front of a crowd of nearly 300 at McKay High School Monday, he placed a hand on either side of the wooden podium. "Martin Luther King Jr., the man we celebrate today, stood for many of his moral imperatives because he understood these (issues speak) to our basic humanity," said the SpragueContinue reading "Students, community leaders remember MLK Jr.’s legacy, address today’s issues"

Oregon NAACP leaders say the Oregon Department of Education unfairly allocated millions of taxpayer dollars meant to help African-American students statewide succeed. The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2016 in 2015, earmarking nearly $2.7 million in general funds that ended up being divided between four Portland-based programs serving black students and their families. Lawmakers allocated an additional $1 million for administrative costs. The goal was toContinue reading "Oregon NAACP leaders say state did not fairly allocate funds for black students"

Voters are likely to see a $619.7 million school bond measure on the May ballot. The Salem-Keizer School Board unanimously approved the May 2018 General Obligation Bond Package at its meeting Tuesday evening. If passed by voters this spring, the nearly $620 million bond would pay to relieve overcrowding, expand academic programs, make safety upgrades and address other facility needsContinue reading "Salem-Keizer board unanimously approves bond package for nearly $620 million"

Fixing gaps in Oregon's education system and reversing the state's third-worst-in-the nation graduation rate is now the responsibility of 14 legislators. Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, and Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, announced the creation Thursday of the Joint Committee on Student Success. The panel will explore the best practices used in Oregon’s "most successful schools" and address the gaps limiting studentContinue reading "Legislators tasked with fixing Oregon’s dismal graduation rate"

More than 120 Oregonians were hospitalized for flu-related ailments the week ending Dec. 23. That's up from 85 cases the week prior. Oregon is one of 36 states nationwide reporting high levels of a flu outbreak, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control. It doesn't help that this year's flu vaccination has not been particularly effective. "It's justContinue reading "Flu cases rising across Oregon, Washington, Idaho; some deaths reported"

With one in four students in Oregon not graduating high school on time, state auditors are calling on the Oregon Department of Education to take additional steps to increase the state's graduation rate. An audit released Tuesday by the Secretary of State's audits division found the department has prioritized improving four-year graduation rates, leading to a five percent increaseContinue reading "Oregon needs to do more for mobile, middle school and low-income students, audit says"

Schools are responsible for equipping all students with academic and career skills, providing an environment that encourages them to learn and preparing them for life after K-12 education. Oregon's latest annual report card, released Thursday by the state's Department of Education, shows the state is excelling at certain indicators and falling behind in others. During theContinue reading "Oregon schools: Diversity and absenteeism up, salaries and discipline down"

Debbie Austin grew up in the Great Depression, a "time when it was not a good thing to be an Indian." Talked down to by teachers, professors and medical professionals, berated by passersby, Austin thought, "If we were white, things would have been a lot easier for us." But she doesn't want her more than 40Continue reading "Oregon’s Native American students face obstacles to stay in, complete school"

Thousands of people have spoken against Salem-Keizer School District's requirement to report any sexual activity involving minors, even if it's thought to be consensual. Opponents of the requirement are calling for a legislative solution that would allow students to confide in teachers, and teachers not to be fined or fired if they don't report consensual sex between students.Continue reading "Opposition to Salem-Keizer sex reporting may result in legislative change"

Salem-Keizer teachers and staff were recently told that when they learn, or suspect, a student is sexually active, they must report it to law enforcement or state officials. Some students, teachers and parents are upset with the requirement, so much so that more than 550 people signed a digital petition to Paul Kyllo, the school board chairman, demanding the practiceContinue reading "Salem-Keizer staff told to report student sexual activity, including own kids"