Tackling Absenteeism in Schools
Oregon state Rep. Hoa Nguyen (D-East Portland and Damascus) started an informal workgroup with legislators, educators, families and students to identify potential solutions for chronic absenteeism in Oregon schools.
The group had its first meeting on April 19 and will propose legislation for the 2025 session, according to a press release. Chronic absenteeism means missing 10% or more school days in an academic year. Oregon’s average rate of chronic absenteeism exceeds the national average of 26% with rates ranging from 33% to 48%.
“I’ve worked in the field of chronic absenteeism for about 10 years now, in multiple districts in Multnomah and Clackamas counties, and it’s clear to me that we need a comprehensive look at this issue so we can find a statewide solution for Oregon students,” said Nguyen.
—Julianna LaFollette [page]
Sen. Merkley Upcoming Town Hall
Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced April 19 that he will be holding a town hall in Deschutes and Jefferson counties on Sunday, April 28.
The town hall in Deschutes County will take place at Central Oregon Community College from 12:30 to 1:30pm in Willie Hall. The town hall in Jefferson County will be at the Madras Performing Arts Center from 3:30 to 4:30pm.
“I hold a town hall for every Oregon county, every year because there is simply no substitute to hearing directly from folks about the ideas and priorities that matter most to them and their communities. Oregonians’ thoughts help shape my work in Congress, including positions on policies, ideas for bills, and strategies for securing resources for every corner of our state,” said Merkley.
—Julianna LaFollette
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$7.6 million
— Estimated operating cost of the new Deschutes County landfill site. From this week’s News story, “Deschutes County Proposes Next Landfill Site.”
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“I moved here because there are so many restaurants here. The majority of restaurants are privately owned – mom and pop, if you will. I think that’s beautiful because it gives them their own sense of identity. Once you start seeing the cookie cutter, you lose something.”
— Justin Halvorsen of Farmer’s Deli, featured in this week’s Restaurant Guide and quoted in the Chow story, “Chef’s Choice.”
This article appears in Source Weekly April 25, 2024.
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