Bringing in the heat this summer, Governor Tina Kotek is ensuring Oregon's kids don't lose their academic flames. Kotek presided over a signing ceremony for House Bill 4082, securing a cool $30 million to keep the summer learning programs across the state burning bright.

According to a statement from the governor's office, this cash infusion is expected to stoke the educational fires for an estimated 48,000 students this year. While discussing the bill's potential, Governor Kotek emphasized targeting opportunity gaps that particularly affect historically underserved students. "Our goals must be student-centered to reduce opportunity gaps for historically underserved students and raise the bar on outcomes for all students," she said.

Flexing its https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/legislators-and-advocates-join-the-governor-to-mark-the-signing-of-house-bill-4082academic muscles outside the traditional classroom walls, the state of Oregon is switching gears. The Oregon Department of Education's head honcho, Dr. Charlene Williams was quoted saying, "This summer, students should grab their notebooks, pens, curiosity and hiking shoes and get ready for a summer of learning and adventure." She added a punch, refocusing the concept of summer education: "Summer learning is not summer school. In Oregon, it's a season of creative thinking, problem solving and engaging, hands-on learning."

Kotek's office isn't just riding the summer wave. The governor is tackling the bread-and-butter issues of educational funding head-on, as she reiterated her commitment to updating methodologies for the State School Fund, reviewing accountability in education, and bolstering financial transparency to make district budget information more digestible for Jane and Joe Public. Kotek declared, "Our basic approach to funding K-12 education is more than 30 years old," signaling it’s high time for a curriculum change in financial policies.