Five Oregon foundations launch the Chalkboard Project to strengthen quality, accountability and finance for Oregon’s K-12 public schools
Contact:
Chalkboard Project
(503) 542-4325
info@chalkboardproject.org
PORTLAND, OR - Five Oregon charitable foundations have launched an unprecedented collaborative effort to strengthen the state's K-12 public schools, recently completing the most comprehensive statewide public polling ever conducted on this topic. The 18-month initiative includes stakeholder research and grassroots activities throughout the state, concluding with recommendations for policymakers to make Oregon's K-12 public schools among the nation's best — the goal supported by a majority of Oregonians, according to the project's research findings.
The five foundations are The Collins Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, The Ford Family Foundation, JELD-WEN Foundation and the Oregon Community Foundation. In 2003, they formed Foundations for a Better Oregon, with the Chalkboard Project as the group's first collaboration. The foundations have committed $1.25 million to the initiative.
"We as a group feel Oregon is at a crossroads with regards to its K-12 public education system," said Charlie Walker, Chalkboard Project Board Chair. "Oregonians have told us what they want — a neutral convener, without an agenda or an axe to grind, to step forward and assist them in creating a new vision for our public schools."
As part of its ongoing outreach to Oregonians, the Chalkboard Project has launched a website and toll-free number (1-877-YOUR-K12), encouraging Oregonians to visit the site, share opinions and answer survey questions related to K-12 public education.
The Chalkboard Project commissioned Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc., to conduct public opinion polling among 1,800 Oregonians in April 2004. The scope of the survey allowed for statistically significant findings to be drawn from six identified regions, ensuring statewide input. Findings included Oregonians' current perceptions of the public school system, defined priorities among programs and activities, and identified perceived obstacles to success (see findings attached).
"To achieve lasting change, we need to start informing and engaging with Oregonians — to find the nexus of public interest and public will for improving K-12 education in the state," said Sue Hildick, Chalkboard Project President .
Through the end of 2004, Chalkboard Project will convene parents, educators, employers, students and the general public in discussion groups; coordinate individual sessions with education, business, advocacy and non-profit organizations; initiate a public awareness campaign and speakers network; and conduct best practices research to unearth successful public education models worldwide.
In January and February 2005, Chalkboard Project will host local forums throughout Oregon, asking a broad range of citizens for input on choices for improvements that will strengthen public education in the state.
In March 2005, Chalkboard Project representatives plan to present recommendations to policymakers — initiated by the citizens of the state — tested, debated and formed by a non-partisan entity, to improve Oregon's K-12 public schools.
About Chalkboard Project
Launched in early 2004, Chalkboard Project exists to inspire Oregonians to do what it takes to make the state’s K-12 public schools among the nation’s best, while strengthening our school system’s financial accountability to taxpayers. Chalkboard aims to help create a more informed and engaged public who understand and address the tough choices and trade-offs required to build strong schools, and to enable statewide programs that can be applied at the local level to improve school quality, accountability, and funding. To date, Chalkboard has connected with about 100,000 Oregonians, asking for their best ideas to strengthen the state’s K-12 public schools. It also has partnered with other education organizations to create the Open Book$ Web site www.openbooksproject.org to track school district spending.
Chalkboard – an initiative of Foundations For A Better Oregon – is sponsored by a growing list of independent foundations. The founding five foundations are: The Collins Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, Jeld-Wen Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, and The Oregon Community Foundation. For more information about Chalkboard and to learn how to get involved, call (877) YOUR-K12 or visit www.chalkboardproject.org.
