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Board hears federal and state policy outlook: vouchers, possible Department of Education changes and 'Keep the PACT' effort
Summary
Board member Don and others reported from recent national and state meetings: federal policy shifts could tie funding to voucher programs, a bill (HR 99) to abolish the U.S. Department of Education was discussed, and state advocates are pursuing the Keep the PACT Act to secure Title I and IDEA funding pools.
Board members received updates on federal and state education policy from Don and Sarah, who attended recent OSBA and national meetings. Discussion focused on potential federal measures that could change how funds are distributed and the possible effects on district finances.
Don summarized briefings from Washington, D.C., and related state activity, saying, “most of the things the federal government's gonna do is not give you money if you don't do vouchers. You would get no federal money.” He described proposals being discussed in Washington that could shift funding mechanisms and legislative efforts, including a referenced bill, HR 99, that would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Don also noted a pending Supreme Court decision related to e‑rate funding for school libraries and internet that could affect district connectivity funding.
Sarah and other board members emphasized coordinating advocacy at the state level. The board discussed the Keep the PACT Act (federal bill referenced by district representatives) intended to secure Title I and IDEA funds in a separate pool so allocations would be protected from certain shifts in federal policy. Sarah said the bill’s passage would provide “a little bit more security that we didn't have before.”
Board members also noted upcoming state committee hearings where special‑education funding and wildfire‑related ADM adjustments are scheduled; OSBA and district staff are organizing testimony and planning in‑person advocacy, with a tentative hearing date of March 12 before the House Education Committee for wildfire ADM security matters.
Why it matters: Potential federal changes to funding or the Department of Education could materially affect the district’s receipt of Title I, IDEA and other federal dollars. The board indicated it will coordinate advocacy with OSBA and state legislators to secure funding and clarify consequences for Oregon districts.
What’s next: District staff and OSBA will continue to monitor bills and court decisions, and the board may participate in or support testimony at state hearings, including the tentative March 12 event on wildfire ADM security.
