Kotek seeks school funding certainty, accountability and a statewide student data system

Gov. Tina Kotek told lawmakers the state must pair increased investment in K-12 education with stronger accountability and operational reforms to improve student outcomes.

Kotek thanked the Legislature for partnering on early literacy and summer learning investments and said her recommended budget advances changes to how service-level funding in the state school fund is calculated. "There will be a bill to codify some of that work, and my recommended budget takes a big leap forward to help school districts with their base funding," she said.

The governor said increased funding must come with "deeper accountability," outlining plans to require direct assistance when districts' numbers show poor student outcomes. She also proposed administrative changes, including exploring a single statewide publicly accessible student information system and consolidating reporting processes to reduce administrative burden.

Kotek said her education proposal will run alongside administrative actions by the Oregon Department of Education to ensure the department upholds accountability commitments. She emphasized supports for a continuum of services from birth through graduation, including expanded behavioral-health services in and out of school and residential treatment options for youth with substance use disorders.

The governor presented these items as policy and budget proposals that will be carried by bills and administrative steps; legislative consideration and statutory changes will determine final form and funding.