It's March in Oregon; a month in which one is likely to experience all four seasons...in the span of one day! Regrettably, the budget forecast out of Salem is rather cloudy with the likelihood of stormy weather ahead (see what I did there?).

Every two years (biennium), March is the time we engage in the regrettable debate about adequate funding of our schools. Now is a critical time, as the State Legislature is crafting the budget for the 2019-2021 biennium. Based on current projections and preliminary budgets submitted by the governor and legislature, the Beaverton School District is currently planning for a $35 million shortfall in the coming year. This planning is inclusive of a comprehensive examination of programs and personnel that will undoubtedly impact all corners of the District. In the context of a national and state economy that are otherwise healthy, the idea of substantial cuts seems ludicrous. Yet, most districts and agencies across the state are left to manage a substantial public pension liability, in addition to the natural increases in the cost of doing business.

Meanwhile, education is a wonderful talking point for politicians while on the campaign trail. Yet, rhetoric is put to the test when confronted with conflicting interests/lobbies competing for finite dollars. A spring phenomenon just as predictable as Mr. Curl's pasty complexion, is the use of education as a political pawn in the name of "revenue reform" (taxes). As our elected leaders forgo difficult decisions in the name of politically expedient and short term bandaids, our state continues to kick the can of sustainable funding down the road. In this author's humble opinion (an opinion that is mine, and mine alone), this is not an issue of which we can simply tax ourselves out. What is needed at the state level, more than anything, is PRIORITY REFORM. Otherwise, we continue to sacrifice long-term and sustainable solutions, and we will inevitably find ourselves here once again.

Many of you have had children in the District long enough to experience the good, the bad and the ugly of this funding issue. Moving forward, and if you are so inclined, the most effective form of advocacy is a personal story about how the level of school funding has impacted you, your child and/or community; even better if the story is told (in part) by your child. If you have a story to share, or if you're simply curious about priorities and difficult decisions...

State Representative: Sheri Schouten

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1427
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.SheriSchouten@oregonlegislature.gov

State Senator: Mark Hass

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1714
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.MarkHass@oregonlegislature.gov

Joint Ways & Means Committee:

Address: 900 Court St. NE, Room H-178, Salem OR 97301

Email: waysandmeans.budget@oregonlegislature.gov

Governor Kate Brown

Office of the Governor
900 Court Street NE, Suite 254
Salem, OR 97301-4047
Phone: (503) 378-4582

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: as elected leaders debate a state-wide budget (until June), the District has no choice but to move forward with what is currently known, establish it's own priorities, and make difficult and painful decisions about programs and personnel.

Thank you for helping our school get healthy through the Kids Heart Challenge! Our community supported heart health by signing up on line and promising to cut our sodium to playing a healthy food game, to jumping rope to volunteering your time to donating money! Pledge packets are due by the end of this week (March 8) and prizes should arrive right after Spring Break.

Also, HUGE THANKS to Mrs. Wilson and all of our wonderful volunteers who made the day such a wonderfully active celebration of healthy habits!

At Raleigh Park, and all schools across the Beaverton School District, are working hard with parents and community partners to enhance positive educational outcomes for students.

We strive daily to help every child have a successful and rewarding school experience. We accomplish this first and foremost by emphasizing good attendance. While creating a welcoming environment is necessary to enhance a child’s motivation and desire to attend school, it is often not sufficient. Parents play a pivotal role in helping children develop the habit of good attendance.

There are a number of things a parent can do to help assist their youngster(s) in establishing good attendance and thereby enhance their learning opportunities. The Following list is just an example of a few things parents can do to help their child have good attendance:

• Encourage good sleep hygiene by establishing a consistent bed time and morning routine.
• Plan for the morning departure the night before by gathering up and packing up their backpack, and laying out clothes and shoes.
• Make plans with family/neighbors/friends/other parents to help in getting your child to school if something unexpected arises.
• Schedule appointments before or after school.
• Develop a family belief that school is important and staying home is only an option if you’re really sick. Such things as head and stomach aches can be a sign of anxiety, and require a different response other than school avoidance.
• Listen to your child with sensitivity if they express fears or reluctance to come to school. Call Mr. Deihl, Mr. Curl, or your child’s teacher for advice and guidance on how to best manage your child’s concerns.
• Develop a good support network with other caring parents who may have some good ideas on how to help your child feel comfortable and eager to attend school.

When is absenteeism considered a problem? Most major programs that routinely study the effects of absenteeism on student performance, agree on the following:

• CHRONIC ABSENCE: 18 DAYS OR MORE
• WARNING SIGNS: 10-17 DAYS
• GOOD ATTENDANCE: 9 DAYS OR FEWER

Working collaboratively with commitment, enthusiasm, creativity, empathy and integrity, we can continue to ensure our children the educational opportunities they need to be successful, happy and curious learners for years to come.