The Salem-Keizer School Board has approved its legislative priorities for the 2027 Oregon legislative session, putting changes to the state’s school funding system at the top of its agenda.
The board unanimously approved the priorities during its November 10 meeting.
One of the district’s primary requests is the creation of a statewide School Funding Modernization Commission to review how Oregon distributes education funding and determines what constitutes adequate support for public schools.
District officials say changes are needed to better account for student poverty, special education costs and the financial pressures facing school districts.
The board is also asking state lawmakers to fully fund the Current Service Level, which represents the amount of money needed to maintain existing educational programs and services.
The district’s latest financial projections show enrollment has declined to approximately 36,097 students, compared with 37,363 a year earlier.
Meanwhile, potential school closures continue to generate public concern. The board is scheduled to hold a special meeting November 17 focused on school closures ahead of a possible December decision.
