Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent of Eugene School District 4J, and Kerry Delf, Chief of Staff at Eugene School District 4J, visited the KRVM Studios to discuss the Student Success Act during “Focus on Community”.
To listen to the interview, click here.
In spring 2019 the Oregon Legislature passed and the Governor signed the Student Success Act (HB 3427) into law.
The Student Success Act is expected to provide about $1 billion per year in additional funding for public schools and early learning in Oregon, about half of it going directly to school districts and eligible charter schools based on enrollment through the Student Investment Account. This is expected to provide about $12 million per year in new funding for Eugene School District 4J, starting with the 2020–21 school year.
School districts must invest these Student Success Act funds to meet students’ behavioral and mental health needs, increase academic achievement for all students, and reduce disparities among student groups. Funds may be spent in four broad categories:
- Increasing learning time
- Addressing student health and safety needs
- Reducing class size / increasing classroom staffing
- Expanding well-rounded learning opportunities
School districts will be required to apply for funds. The application process will include a District Needs Assessment to be developed with an expansive public engagement process with multiple and diverse stakeholders, and the district’s 4J Vision 20/20 Strategic Plan, which was developed with extensive community input.