Oregon Education Committee evaluates impact of Student Success Act amid post-COVID challenges

The Oregon Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means meeting on June 17, 2025, spotlighted critical discussions surrounding the Student Success Act and its impact on education funding. Lawmakers expressed a strong desire to evaluate the effectiveness of the Act, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One committee member raised concerns about the substantial investment made through the corporate activity tax, questioning whether it has yielded the anticipated improvements in student success. "We invested hundreds of hours in student success," they noted, emphasizing the need for accountability and clarity on what has worked and what hasn't since the Act's implementation in 2019.

In response, committee members acknowledged the ongoing struggles faced by school districts, particularly regarding mental health support for students. They highlighted the importance of local decision-making in utilizing student success funds effectively, with a focus on career technical education as a proven method to enhance graduation rates.

However, frustrations were voiced about the bureaucratic hurdles that superintendents encounter when accessing these funds. Calls for simplifying the funding process were made, with some members suggesting that the Department of Education has become an obstacle rather than a facilitator in getting money into classrooms.

As discussions progressed, the committee also addressed the budget for the Water Resources Department, proposing a budget of over $245 million to support various initiatives, including water rights transactions and dam safety services. While some members expressed support for the budget, others raised concerns about the department's historical inefficiencies and the need for greater accountability moving forward.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment among lawmakers to ensure that educational investments translate into tangible benefits for students, while also grappling with the complexities of funding and accountability in state agencies. As the committee continues its work, the focus remains on refining processes to better serve Oregon's educational landscape.