We pay more schools, yet test scores drop

y

By Oregon Senate Republican Caucus

2/5/25 SALEM, Ore. – An analysis presented to the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education revealed a troubling reality. Despite an 80% increase in school spending over the past decade, student performance in reading and math continues to decline. Meanwhile, Democrats have abandoned Oregon’s kids by removing graduation requirements and lowering expectations in the name of ‘equity’.

In 2021, Democrats passed Senate Bill 744, eliminating the “essential skills” requirement for high school graduation statewide. A Wall Street Journal editorial even called it “Dumbing Oregon Down”. Republicans fought hard against this disastrous policy, but Democrats, who control the Legislature, pushed it through without a single Republican in support. The result? An entire generation of students set up for failure.

“Enough is enough,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “We keep throwing money at a broken system while our kids fall further behind. Families and students—not bureaucracy—need to be at the center of this conversation.”

Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook), a former educator and vice-chair of the Senate Education Committee, agreed: “If spending more while demanding less from students worked, we wouldn’t be in this mess. We need to focus on what actually helps kids learn—strong teachers, real accountability, high expectations, and giving families the freedom to choose the best education options for their children.”

This session, Senate Republicans are pushing bold reforms that put students first and ensure every child receives a quality education, no matter their zip code.