Governor Ted Kulongoski and Schools Superitendent Susan Castillo announced on January 19, 2010, that Oregon has submitted its competitive $200 million Race to the Top application, using the Gladstone Center as the site to make this announcement. If approved, the 112 statewide school districts that are taking part will agree to implement enhanced benchmarks and assessments; work to improve low-performing schools; create a statewide data system that supports student learning; and reform teacher and administrator evaluations and pay. The districts will also focus on training to support effective teachers and principals. The first round of winners will be announced in mid-April.

During her testimony to the joint Ways and Means Committee in mid-January, Superintendent Castillo, a member of the State Commission, mentioned Community Schools as a strategy to be used to turn around low-performing schools. The Oregon Commission on Children and Families is working to support and expand Community Schools around the state.

Commission on Children & Families
530 Center Street NE, Suite 405
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-373-1283