Considering Port of Coos Bay CEO David Koch claims that Governor John Kitzhaber provided at least tacit approval of the CEP (community enhancement plan) to privatize public money and circumvent school equalization rules, the following email from Kitz seems a bit incongruous.
Mary,
When we talk about reforming our education system it’s easy to lose track of what it really means for our kids.
The reform we’re implementing in Oregon is about getting results. It’s about getting more third graders reading above grade level and more ninth graders finishing the school year strong. It’s about getting every young Oregonian a diploma.
But it’s also about equity.
When we created the Oregon Education Investment Board to make proven, strategic investments in our schools, we put in place an equity lens, through which the board would make its decisions.
That lens guides us in everything we do, ensuring that Oregon students — regardless of income, geography, race or home language — have an equal opportunity to strive and reach their full potential in our classrooms.
The principles that guide the board recognize that speaking a language other than English is an asset and students previously described as “at risk” represent our best opportunity to improve overall educational outcomes.
Thanks to your support, Oregon is changing. What’s at stake in this election is the direction of that change. I need four more years in Salem to ensure that what we achieved for our kids is fully implemented and so that we can continue to strengthen the education of every young Oregonian. I hope you’ll be a part of my campaign.
John
John Kitzhaber
Governor of Oregon
The CEP will deprive the state school fund of up to $400 million over the next 20 years. Because the plan calls for Coos County to continue to draw 74% of its education costs from the richer counties, the plan will ultimately cost every student in Oregon close to $60 per year. So, while I do not find Dennis Richardson a palatable choice for governor, I wonder how he might view this situation using Kitz’s equity lens.
Mr. Richardson has stated in writing that he would give serious consideration to returning the state owned port to the citizens of Coos County. Now, how would that affect SCCF/CEP??