I had the chance to talk to Superintendent Smith when she came into the KXL studios today. She told me property tax revenue and bond measures are too unreliable. She opts for working with the Governor and legislature to set high level targets more than adequately raising funding revenue and make things less problematic . Education has been squeezed by the state where it got 45% of the pie several years ago in the most recent legislative session it was given 39 % of state budget that’s a loss of 35 million dollars and the equivalent of 350 teachers. Smith says the district has been evaluating empty schools. Selling off those it thinks it will not use again. Renting out buildings when possible and keep others in reserve for future use. She believes we have no choice as a state but to put our thinking caps on and come up with innovative ideas. The Oregon Lottery and a sales tax are at the top of her list. She was very kind and calm considering all the pressure I'm sure she's under.
~ Rosemary Reynolds
KXL Reporter
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