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Lawmakers hear pleas to restore $6 million to outdoor school fund
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Summary
Supporters, including educators, camp directors and scientists, testified for HB 4112 to increase the outdoor school education fund from $48 million to $54 million for 2025–27, arguing cuts have reduced participation and harmed rural programs.
A broad coalition of educators, former teachers, camp directors and researchers urged the House Committee on Education on Feb. 11 to restore funding for the state's outdoor school program through House Bill 4112.
The staff summary said HB 4112 would increase the outdoor school education fund for the 2025–27 biennium from $48 million to $54 million, declare an emergency and take effect on passage. Senators, district outdoor school directors and the OSU Extension program emphasized the program’s role in building science engagement, social-emotional skills and local workforce pathways.
Senator Suzanne Webber described outdoor school as formative and said numerous districts had cut programs after funding reductions. Daniel Prince, chief petitioner for Measure 99 (the 2016 ballot measure that funded outdoor school), reminded the committee that voters had supported statewide investment and asked legislators to restore the cuts.
Multiple directors and program leaders — including Catherine Ilian (Cascade School District), Joshua Danielson (Camp Myrtlewood) and Dr. Spirit Brooks (OSU Extension) — testified that recent budget cuts translated into lost program capacity, staff layoffs and local revenue declines. Cascades' program reported a $20,000 gap to serve 200 students; Camp Myrtlewood said it lost roughly $130,000 in potential revenue and that reduced funding threatens jobs created to run regional programs.
Students also testified. Ten‑year‑old Spencer Danielson called outdoor school "super special" and asked lawmakers to preserve the program for future fifth‑ and sixth‑graders.
Committee members asked logistical questions — for example, whether teachers are adequately reimbursed for overnight duty; witnesses replied that stipends depend on district collective‑bargaining agreements and OSU provides stipends according to those agreements.
No work‑session votes on HB 4112 occurred at the Feb. 11 meeting; the public hearing concluded with supporters urging the committee to advance the measure and restore Measure 99 funding.
