About Us
Launched in March 2004, the Chalkboard Project exists to inspire Oregonians to do what it takes to make our K-12 public schools among the nation’s best. Chalkboard aims to help create a more informed and engaged public who understands and addresses the tough choices and trade-offs required to build strong schools.
The independent and non-partisan group offers all Oregonians a voice and a role in making key decisions for their schools.
Our History
The Chalkboard Project was established in 2004 as the first initiative of Foundations for a Better Oregon, an independent, non-partisan organization created by five of Oregon’s leading foundations: The Collins Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, The JELD-WEN Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust and The Oregon Community Foundation. The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation joined Foundations for a Better Oregon in late 2007. All of these foundations have a long history of giving to community, educational and charitable projects in Oregon, and are deeply involved in the quality of life here. They decided that by joining forces and working toward a common goal, they could accomplish even more.
Chalkboard’s primary goal is to help elevate Oregon’s K-12 public school system to among the top 10 school systems in the country. Our comprehensive action plan emerged from extensive research in two areas: 1) proven educational practices that will raise student achievement, and 2) Oregonians’ priorities about how to improve schools and ensure wise use of school tax dollars.
Read 5 myths about the Chalkboard Project
Initiatives and Key Projects
Click on one of the links below to learn more about the ways in which the Chalkboard Project is working to improve K-12 public education.
