Thousands of students, parents and teachers came out this afternoon

[roxiejules]

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/02/oregon_students_parents_and_te.html - via Oregon Live

Thousands of students, parents and teachers came out this afternoon to ask legislators to better fund Oregon schools and make good on promises to the state’s half a million youth.

The percentage of Oregon’s general fund money spent on education has been decreasing since the 2003-05 legislative session.

“We must end the cycle of broken promises to our children,” Cannon said. “We must structure a system that is focused on our children, not on adults that have been hypnotized by the spell of accountability, AYP and online learning.”

The crowd raised blue umbrellas in support of a rainy day fund and Oregon teachers and other union workers wore red to the event in support of Wisconsin state workers.

[LWolf]

1. My small district is currently talking about how to cut another $10 million next year.

We've been making, and taking cuts for a few years now. We've RIFFED. We've cut programs and people. We've cut days and pay.

It hasn't been enough. To cut another $10 million from the budget, we'd have to take a 10% pay cut. On top of what we've already lost. Or close our doors after spring break.

Meanwhile, Kitzhaber is promoting paying districts according to test scores.

I'm thankful that people showed up. I hope it makes some kind of difference.