Gov. Kotek calls for revamping Oregon education funding model as Portland teachers, district finalize deal
by Anthony Macuk for KGW
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland teachers strike ended with a tentative deal on Sunday, paving the way for nearly 50,000 students to return to school for the first time since Halloween, but Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signaled Tuesday that she wants to see political action in the wake of the strike and pledged to take steps to revamp the state's education funding model.
"The strike was a reflection of larger challenges that districts across the state are facing," she said in a statement, noting that one out of three Oregon districts will also be in contract bargaining during the current school year. "From salaries not staying competitive with the market, to backlogs in facility maintenance, to classroom disruptions related to the behavioral health needs of students, we clearly have work to do."
