In spring 2019 the Oregon Legislature passed the Student Success Act (HB 3427), and the Governor signed it into law. This is a historic and much needed investment in K–12 schools.

The Student Success Act is expected to provide about $1 billion per year in additional funding for public schools and early learning across Oregon. About half will go directly to school districts based on enrollment. Gladstone schools is expected to receive about $1 million per year starting in the 2020–21 school year.

Student Success Act funds must be invested to meet students’ behavioral and mental health needs, increase academic achievement, and reduce achievement disparities between groups. Funds may be spent in four 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 through an expansive public engagement process with a diversity of parents and students, the district’s Healthy Teens survey, staff input, and data analysis.

An extensive community involvement effort in September and October sought input on what is working well and what programs, supports, or changes are needed in our schools. More than 3,300 total comments were received.