Question 1

Focus on the “Science of Learning”

Accepted Answer

It is simply unacceptable to be last in the county for 4th grade testing on reading and math.

As Governor, I will ensure that Oregon focuses on the “Science of Reading” that has shown to be the most effective way to teach literacy. Mississippi used this methodology and went from 47th to 1st in reading scores. Other states have made huge improvements as well. When I’m Governor, Oregon will be the next state to improve its students' literacy and protect its children's future. If you are not literate by 4th grade, you are 4x as likely to not graduate from high school and have over a 60% likelihood of eventually facing incarceration. We are currently failing our children and we need to do much better for the sake of our children and for Oregon’s future.

Question 2

Increase time in classroom

Accepted Answer

Students deserve more opportunities to learn.

No team improves by practicing less than its competition. Yet Oregon has some of the fewest instructional days in the nation, and high absenteeism cuts that time down even further. If we want higher achievement and stronger schools, students need more time in the classroom.

Question 3

Audit Education Spending

Accepted Answer

We need to go back to the drawing board on our education budget.

Oregon doubled our education budget and our results declined. Our spending has increased from $5.5B in 2011 to $11.36B in 2025 while the amount of students declined from 561k in 2011 to 547k in 2025. With education being the largest expenditure in the Oregon State budget, we must focus on where our dollars are going and why our results are getting progressively worse.

Question 4

Unify Oregon School Districts' Contracts

Accepted Answer

Let’s get our school districts on the same page.

Having each of our 197 school districts negotiate separately puts our education system at a major disadvantage and risks creating unfair imbalances for students. We will move from 197 negotiating tables to one Statewide Bargaining Council. As Governor, working with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will oversee this process to ensure every district receives fair support and is held to a high standard for our students.

THE PLAN