Oregon lawmakers are considering major changes to school funding in 2027. This comes after recent national test scores showed Oregon elementary and middle school students ranking among the bottom of states in math and reading.

Quality Education Commission

The Oregon Legislature allocated $11.4 billion for schools during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. However, the current funding formula has been criticized for undercounting the number of students experiencing poverty, which means districts serving these students aren’t receiving the necessary funding.

Lawmakers recently voted against several of Gov. Tina Kotek’s appointments to the Quality Education Commission, which determines the resources needed for high-quality schools. The vote was not because the candidates were unqualified, but rather due to concerns about the commission’s effectiveness.

Sen. Janeen Sollman, who voted against the appointments, stated that the question isn’t about the candidates, but about the process. She and Rep. Ricki Ruiz had previously attempted to overhaul the state’s education funding model, but were unsuccessful.

Need for Reform

Several Republican lawmakers agreed with Sollman, emphasizing the need for urgent reform. Sen. Noah Robinson stated that it should not be hard to get this right and that the problem is being kicked down the road. He added that students are being educated now and won’t benefit from changes made in the future.

Senators with teaching backgrounds spoke in favor of the appointments, but also recognized the need to reform the funding model. Sen. Lew Frederick, chair of the Senate interim education committee, stated that significant changes are being considered and that the appointed candidates will attempt to make a difference.

Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.