A research project from
While half of Oregon Voices respondents report that Oregon has good schools, we heard from many survey respondents across Oregon that the quality of K-12 education is a primary concern. Although the Oregon Voices survey asked few questions focused on education, many people commented on their local schools in open-ended responses. Different than other Oregon Voices issue briefs, this brief includes outside data throughout to contextualize the survey findings.
When asked their level of agreement with the statement, “In my community, we have good schools,” on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), 50% of respondents selected a 4 or 5.
“Es mucho mejor que en otras comunidades, el distrito escolar ha estado atento a las necesidades de los estudiantes, al contrario de otras comunidades. (It is much better than in other communities, the school district has been attentive to the needs of the students, unlike other communities.)”
– Rural household with children aged 5 to 17, Latino/Hispanic, Marion County
The largest share of open-ended responses regarding education came from Douglas, Lane and Umatilla counties.
“Lack of funding for school resources and supports. It has gotten better but we still need help.”
– Rural household with children aged 5 to 17, white, Douglas County
“I wish people here valued services for children more than we do. I wish people would support the school bond measure and would support more funding for parks, particularly the planned turf soccer fields.”
– Rural household with children aged 5 to 17, white, Douglas County
School facilities that have not kept up with technology, culture, and population changes were a top concern for Oregon Voices respondents, especially in Clackamas, Douglas, Harney, Polk and Umatilla counties. Like most of the state, these counties have experienced general and student population growth.
“Our community is growing quickly and has outgrown our streets and the available housing. Schools are full because of the influx of people.”
– Rural household with no children, white, Umatilla County
“Not enough kids in the school. Our schools are struggling with few children and need to combine… their school districts to form a larger, stronger, school in rural towns in Eastern Oregon.”
– Rural household with children aged 5 to 17, white, Wheeler County
Oregon Voices respondents observe that teachers depart their schools, in some cases due to housing costs or inadequate pay. Respondents report that this is especially true for Black, Indigenous, AAPI or Latino/Hispanic teachers.
“We lack qualified substitutes – I know because I am currently a long-term sub because the administration couldn’t find anyone else. We have too many unfilled positions at the school and we lost many teachers over the summer to higher-paying districts. As teachers become scarce, rural schools—which generally pay less—will shoulder most of the burden.”
– Rural household with children aged 5 to 17, white, Lane County
Click image to download issue brief PDF.