Oregon voters gave a resounding "Yes" to funding for schools and other vital services Tuesday, passing Measures 66 and 67 by margins of about 54 to 46 percent.  The individual and corporate income tax measures provide $733 million for schools and other vital services in this 2009-11 biennium.

"The campaign focused on the importance of schools to Oregon's economy and its future," COSA Executive Director Kent Hunsaker said Tuesday night.  "Oregonians have spoken, and they have made it clear that further reductions in schools days or increases in class sizes would be irresponsible."

Hunsaker said that, as the legislature convenes next week, COSA and its education partners will be working to build on the momentum of the election and assure that, regardless of upcoming economic forecasts, Oregon K-12 will receive the promised $6.0 level of 2009-11 funding.

Marian Young, Director of Human Resources, at the Parkrose School District, is the 2010 recipient of the OACOA Achievement of Excellence Award.  She has served in her current job since 2003.

She is currently developing four specific projects for the Parkrose School District.  The first is a new certified staff evaluation system of performance review, which she is working collaboratively on with the staff, administration and the teacher’s association.  It will be based on Oregon State Standards, Charlotte Danielson’s performance model, and the district’s Power Standards and Professional Development.

OASSA  is currently seeking nominations for Oregon’s principal of the year.  The award, sponsored by NASSP and MetLife, is given each year to an outstanding middle and high school principal. 

To increase participation, OASSA and COSA have shortened the process for the initial round of judging only.  In this way, it is possible to nominate a colleague without their knowledge.  Nominees or nominators should complete all parts of the application except the three essay questions.  The winner will then complete that portion of the application, to be submitted to NASSP.

School district leaders from throughout Oregon have the opportunity to learn from the remarkable success story of the Norfolk, Va., Public Schools at the OACOA/OASE Winter Conference, January 29-30, at Salishan.  A team from Norfolk will be on hand to share their “Journey to World Class” via a keynote and breakout sessions.  Register for the conference today.