State Superintendent Susan Castillo Statement on Federal Funding to Save Teacher Jobs

For immediate release
contact Susanne Smith, 503-947-5637

August 10, 2010

State Superintendent Susan Castillo Statement on Federal Funding to Save Teacher Jobs

SALEM – “Today the House passed the $10 billion Edujobs bill guaranteeing Oregon $117M to forestall teacher layoffs. The number of Oregon teachers saved by this federal funding is estimated at approximately 1,600. The Governor will be invited to apply for these funds from the U.S. Department of Education, and they will be distributed through the State School Funding formula. These funds can be used for compensation and benefits to retain existing educators, hire new educators, or recall educators that have been recently laid off.

“I commend our Oregon congressional delegation for their diligence and determination in working with their colleagues to get this bill passed. Our educators are vital to the revitalization of Oregon’s economy. These jobs are at the core of our communities—teaching our kids, keeping class sizes manageable, providing summer school, preparing students to enter the workforce, and providing the foundation of our economic future. Ensuring quality education for children pays off. We are not going to get out of this recession without good jobs and good jobs need skilled graduates.

“Oregon schools have been forced to make many painful cuts to help fill the state’s budget hole this year and these funds will help reverse some of these difficult decisions. Unfortunately, these funds are less than half of the $243 million cut from the State School fund in June. While this is welcome relief for our school districts, this is not a long-term solution. Most school districts will still be faced with budget reductions for the 2010-11 school year including restricted course offerings, staff reductions, or a shortened school year.”

For a breakdown of Oregon school district allocations go to: http://www.ode.state.or.us/superintendent/priorities/edu-jobs-funding-allocation-to-sds.pdf PDF

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Susan Castillo, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Susanne Smith, Communications Director, Telephone (503) 947-5637
http://www.ode.state.or.us

Oregon Department of Education News Releases contain information that was originally released to the press as an official release. Refer to each News Release for the details.