Happy Back-to-School Season, 

As Oregon students head back to school, districts across the state are planning to make game-changing investments. Following decades of disinvestment in our public schools, this year the legislature took decisive action to move our state in the right direction. The Student Success Act will invest $1 billion per year in early education and K-12 programs across the state to make our public education system more fully functional. The Student Success Act will help our students live healthier lives and provide teachers with resources they need to be successful.  From universal school lunches, smaller class sizes, increased mental health support and expanded early learning opportunities, our communities will see the difference these investments will bring. Thank you to all the students and teachers who met with me in Salem to support their schools. As I told them, I will always stand in solidarity with our teachers and students.

National Attention

Some of the many bills passed this session to support teachers and students received national attention. 

1. HB 2191 will allow students to request absentee for mental or behavioral health reasons. Read more about it here: https://www.npr.org/2019/07/22/744074390/feeling-blue-oregon-students-allowed-to-take-mental-health-days
2. SB 664 adds Oregon to the states that are a part of the national movement to have holocaust and genocide education taught in school. Read more about it here: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2019/07/15/as-hate-incidents-rise-states-require-teaching-the-holocaust

WLWV Local Levy

Despite having secured additional funding with the Student Success Act, we will need to continue to advocate for local funding on this November’s ballot. 

As your representative I understand how highly our communities value education and our children’s safety. As a nurse practitioner I know that public schools are cornerstones to healthy communities. This Local Option Levy will retain approximately 80 teachers across our district. The Capital Bond will fund many projects, including expanding and improving safety and security in all our schools, designing a Career and Technical Education high school, and increasing access to athletics and the arts. 

Renewal will ensure the West Linn-Wilsonville school district can continue its legacy of excellence. Check out the social media campaign here: https://www.facebook.com/voteyestwicewlwv/

Well Wishes to Students, Teachers, and Bus Drivers 

I loved seeing all the first-day-of-school photos. My family tradition included a back to school photo in front of the “wishing well” every year.

I wish every student an academically successful school year. I hope every teacher and staff member has the resources and support needed to ensure their students receive the best education we can give!  I have immense gratitude for the teachers, support staff, and leadership teams who serve HD 37 students.

Wishing you all health and happiness in this new school year. 

Sincerely, 

Rep. Rachel Prusak