OSBA Sounding Boards podcast

The wide-open spaces of Malheur County impressed upon Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams some of the differences between Oregon's rural and urban schools, shaping her agency leadership. As she approaches her second year as director, she wants to change the narrative about public Oregon education while taking into account the state's varied needs.

The Oregon Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program supports school district projects to make old buildings safer in an emergency. The Powers School District is using $1.5 million from the program to protect and restore a century-old town landmark. To read more about the work, visit OSBA's News Center.

The Oregon Department of Education is here to help school districts and education service districts as the Student Success Act adds public education program funding and puts new demands on school leaders, says Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Colt Gill.

John Van Dreal, an internationally recognized school safety expert, explains how the Salem-Keizer Threat Assessment System he helped pioneer guides educators to identify potential student threats and intervene before they escalate to tragedy.

Better Together connects the community with central Oregon schools to close gaps. The nonprofit is helping facilitate internships that give students valuable work and education skills while also building bridges between the business community and classrooms.

The Student Success Act commands Oregon school districts to consider equity issues. National consultant and former school board member Daryl Dixon addresses why equity is important and how school leaders can approach community conversations.

McMinnville School District, recognizing the importance of early learning for student success, has created programs to engage and teach children and and their families before they ever enter the K-12 system.

Erick Flores, an Oregon teacher and school board member, offers his personal observations about how the Student Success Act will help schools provide more opportunities for their students.

For La Grande Superintendent George Mendoza, relationship-building is the basis of helping students who have suffered trauma learn better and be successful in school. The district's Culture of Care Plan not only helps the students but also helps the staff as it gives them more tools to create a safe, happy and productive learning environment.

The Student Success Act, a bill to create a significant and stable investment in Oregon's schools, is working its way through the Legislature, offering real hope for district leaders. OSBA Executive Director Jim Green explains how the legislation works and what it means for communities.