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Superintendent flags federal Title VI certification request; state accountability changes could lead to directed spending
Summary
Superintendent reported a U.S. Department of Education letter asking states for certifications under Title VI and outlined proposed state accountability changes that could let the state direct spending if districts fail to meet multi‑year targets.
Superintendent Andy told the board the U.S. Department of Education sent letters to state education officers asking districts to certify that no federally funded programs engage in discrimination under Title VI. States reportedly have 10 days to return certifications; the district has been advised to await direction from the state and Oregon’s education leadership before submitting a response.
The superintendent said the State of Oregon is also considering changes to school accountability metrics, including adding K–2 attendance and eighth‑grade math proficiency to the report card and giving the state authority to set statewide and district performance targets. Under bills discussed in the Legislature, districts that fail to meet targets could be placed into progressively intensive state support: directed coaching after two years of missed targets, an intensive program after three years, and a directed spending model after four years that could include the state directing SIA funds and up to 25% of general fund spending.
District leaders said they are monitoring daily and will press state leaders for clarification; board members asked the superintendent to reach out to the governor’s office, Department of Education and attorney general to seek guidance and express local concerns. Staff said some of the certification language and the state's request appeared imprecise; staff will continue to seek clarity before taking any formal certification action.
