Student advocates push for Schools' Participatory Budgeting Act in Oregon

Oregon's Senate Committee on Education convened on March 24, 2025, to discuss a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing student engagement in school budgeting. The proposed Schools' Participatory Budgeting Act seeks to empower students by allowing them to directly influence how a portion of their school budgets is allocated, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in their educational environments.

Natan Haddgoo, a student leader from McDaniel High School, passionately advocated for the bill during the meeting. He shared his personal journey into civic engagement through Oregon's first participatory budgeting process, emphasizing the importance of giving students a voice in decisions that affect their education. "Young people are passionate, thoughtful, and very serious about how their education affects them," Haddgoo stated, highlighting the need for meaningful student involvement in school governance.

The bill aims to create a pilot program that not only addresses immediate concerns about budget cuts in Portland Public Schools but also cultivates essential skills in students, such as decision-making and collaboration. Haddgoo noted that the initiative would allow students to identify needs within their schools—like installing refillable water fountains or improving campus sustainability—through a structured needs assessment process.

Professor Bartlett, who also spoke at the meeting, reinforced the idea that students would not only decide on spending but also contribute to the implementation of projects. This hands-on approach is designed to ensure that students are actively engaged in improving their school environments, rather than merely being passive recipients of educational resources.

The committee's discussions underscored a broader shift in educational priorities, moving away from rote memorization towards a more dynamic and participatory approach to civics education. By supporting the Schools' Participatory Budgeting Act, the committee aims to invest in student leadership and civic engagement, ultimately shaping a more responsive and inclusive educational landscape in Oregon.

As the bill progresses, it represents a critical step towards empowering the next generation of leaders and ensuring that their voices are heard in the decision-making processes that impact their lives and futures.