House Bill 5519, which would fund Oregon’s K-12 schools at $6.75 billion for the 2013-15 biennium, passed the House of Representatives with bi-partisan support. Local educators have voiced their support for the bill, as well.
“This is a day of elation,” Smith said speaking from the House floor. “Oregon will be able to invest more appropriately in its children.”
The passage of HB 5519 was praised by school officials throughout Eastern Oregon.
“We are well pleased with the $6.75 billion K-12 passed by Rep. Greg Smith and the Oregon Legislature,” Morrow County Schools Superintendent Dirk Dirksen said. “This will allow us to stabilize budgets.”
Umatilla School District Superintendent Heidi Sipe was also enthused at the education budget’s passage.
“Umatilla is going into 2013-14 with a full school year and flat-line staffing from 2012-13 thanks to the $6.75 billion budget,” she said. “This is the first year since 2007 that we haven’t had to lay people off.”
Hermiston School District Deputy Superintendent Wade Smith said the budget “begins the reinvesting in Oregon’s public education and helps ensure a stable financial future for Hermiston.
“We are delighted with the work Rep. Smith and the Oregon Legislature have provided for us in this improved K-12 budget,” Smith said.
Hermiston school teacher Shanna Evans also sounded off on the passage of HB 5519.
“As a teacher, the passage of this budget shows Rep.Smith’s sincere commitment to investing in our education system,” Evans said.
Having passed both legislative chambers, HB 5519 now heads to Gov. John Kitzhaber’s desk for his signature.
