Three-year Levy to Restore School Days Fails

The May 17th election was an important one for Oregon City Schools and other districts across the state. Unfortunately, the three-year local option levy to restore two weeks of school for Oregon City kids was defeated.

In an encouraging message sent to the district's staff earlier today superintendent Roger Rada said, "I certainly don't see this vote as a rebuke of our schools or our employees. We have incredible teachers and support staff. You all do incredible work, and our schools are highly regarded within our community and across the state."

Rada indicates that it will be difficult to maintain the strong academic growth the district's students have demonstrated over the last several years. Students will be in larger classes for fewer days; not a good combination for their success.

"We knew asking the community to pay additional taxes during these tough economic times would be difficult, but we had to try for our kids," says Superintendent Roger Rada. "We can only keep on doing our best, wait for the economy to improve, and hope that the legislature takes steps to stabilize school funding."