Board hears OSBA/NSBA updates: members warn federal funding changes, vouchers and e-rate ruling could affect districts

Board representatives who attended recent OSBA and NSBA events briefed the Phoenix-Talent SD 4 Board on federal and state activity that could affect district funding and compliance.

Staff and board members who attended meetings in Washington, D.C., and OSBA events described several topics of concern. They said national proposals under discussion include voucher-style funding changes and even a bill (HR 99) that would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Attendees warned that some federal proposals would effectively withhold federal funds from states or districts that did not implement specific policies. The speakers emphasized the need for coordinated state-level advocacy to explain how withholding federal funds would affect Oregon districts differently.

Speakers highlighted the Keep Our PACT Act, a proposed federal bill intended to secure Title I and IDEA funding in a separate pool to prevent diversion. They also noted a pending Supreme Court decision regarding the e-rate program for school and library Internet access; depending on the ruling, e-rate funding for district Internet and libraries could be affected.

At the state level, attendees said the Oregon legislative session includes pressing special-education funding items and bills that would affect district ADM funding tied to wildfire impacts. A House committee hearing on special education was scheduled for Feb. 17, and districts are preparing written testimony and coordinated OSBA advocacy. Board staff flagged House Bill 3165 (listed in the meeting as “31 65”), which addresses wildfire ADM security for the current year and may require reconciliation, and House Bill 3149 (listed as “31 49”) which would extend ADM wildfire security for additional years; a hearing on an ADM-security-related bill was tentatively scheduled for March 12 before the House Education Committee.

Speakers at the meeting also summarized sessions on restructured schooling models and artificial intelligence in education; one attendee called an AI session “the best AI session I’ve ever had.” The board discussed coordination for upcoming testimony and planned participation in in-person hearings to press for wildfire and special-ed funding considerations for their district.

Ending: Board members asked staff to continue working with OSBA and partner groups, and flagged the need for legal advice and careful advocacy to protect district funding in the coming legislative months.