What might the federal economic stimulus package mean specifically for our schools?
The federal economic recovery plan already has offered a lifeline to Oregon schools. The Legislature is tapping federal stimulus funding to limit budget cuts to all Oregon schools for the rest of the 2008-09 school year. In the next two years, the state may use the rest of the federal stimulus funding – as well as the state’s own education stability fund and reserves – to further protect schools. However, the state is facing a $3 billion shortfall in 2009-11, so the lifeline will not eliminate all budget cuts. The federal plan also includes funding for special education and for support to help low-income students achieve, which should also help protect services for students.
