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ORCA reports steady enrollment, warns of state funding scrutiny
Summary
ORCA (Oregon Charter Academy) reported June enrollment at about 3,175–3,185, said it is hiring roughly 22 staff for next year, and raised concerns about virtual-school funding differences and pending legislative attention to funding rules.
Allison, speaking as the ORCA representative, told the board that June enrollment was 3,185 but later reflected a slightly lower number (3,175) as summer 10‑day drops occur. "Our June enrollment was at 3,185... when I left the office today, we were at 3,175," Allison said.
She described ORCA’s summer credit-recovery and bridge programs, noted roughly 22 new hires planned for next year and said ORCA typically receives ‘‘about 70 to 80%’’ of funding compared with traditional brick-and-mortar schools after accounting for differences in title funds and bond funding. Allison said she participates in state work groups on virtual-school funding and expects legislation addressing funding practices.
Board members asked whether the district should expect changes to the ORCA contract; Allison noted the current contract extends through 2032 and said there was "no idea at this point" how state legislative action might change that long-term arrangement. The financial implications of enrollment and funding levels also fed into the later board action approving a $700,000 appropriation transfer to increase instructional appropriations for ORCA-related payments.
