OSBA has released a “A Time to Listen,” a potent documentary on Oregon’s chronic education funding problem and the legislative drive for a solution.
“The American dream is ‘I want to make a better life for my kid,’” Rep. Barbara Smith Warner says on the video. “Education is the most important part of that.”
OSBA unveiled the video Saturday at its 72nd Annual Convention in Portland. The video, part of “The Promise of Oregon” education advocacy campaign that OSBA began in 2014, explains recent school funding history and why the state needs revenue reform.
Both the full video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0DCBcB5Wts) and a shorter web version (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au7DamK3jW8) can also be viewed at the Promise of Oregon website (www.promiseoregon.org).
“We need to get the message out that our schools need to be fully and adequately funded,” OSBA Board President LeeAnn Larsen (Beaverton SD) says on the video.
Through interviews with students, school board members, legislators, parents, business leaders and others, the videos describe the chronic underfunding of the state’s education system. They also offer a sense of hope about Oregonians’ shared commitment to young people and the continuing work of a legislative committee dedicated to identifying solutions.
The videos are part of a campaign focus for 2018-19 on the need for revenue reform and cost containment, with a goal of sustainably and fully funding public schools.
OSBA is a non-profit member services agency for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges.
Website: promiseoregon.org
Twitter and Instagram: @PromiseOregon
Facebook and YouTube: ThePromiseofOregon