This year, Portland Public Schools is in a financial sweet spot. Federal and state COVID relief funds will add nearly $100 million to the district’s coffers. But, much of that one-time money will be gone. Since the pandemic began, parents have increasingly favored alternatives to their district schools, including public charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, […]
In this summer’s Olympic Games, Oregon natives Kim Hill and Ryan Crouser showed up, pushed themselves, and earned gold medals. Those medals have meaning—to them, to their team, and to their country. You don’t get that kind of meaning with a participation trophy. It’s too bad the state’s governor and legislature seem to disagree. On […]
PORTLAND, Ore. – Cascade Policy Institute submitted testimony strongly opposing Oregon Senate Bill 223, which would effectively force private schools to register with the state. The bill would ban from interscholastic activities any school that does not register. Proponents of SB 223 characterize the bill as merely a “voluntary” scheme to register private schools. But, […]
What do 29 states and nations from Australia to the Netherlands have in common? School choice. In Belgium, school choice is enshrined as a constitutional right. Pakistan utilizes a voucher program. The result is higher-quality education for kids of all backgrounds. It’s time for Oregon to recognize these benefits and embrace school choice. Not only […]
The Portland Public School board recently voted to prohibit textbooks or classroom materials questioning the mainstream thinking about climate change. The decision has sparked an outpouring of commentary, with many writers supportive of the School Board. However, the wording of the Board resolution should greatly concern parents of Portland public school students. Resolution No. 5272 is two […]