“The Promise of Oregon” Schools Campaign, Nov. 14

A public education support campaign celebrating the achievements and aspirations of Oregon students will debut Friday, Nov. 14, with a new website, videos, photographs, social media channels and more. The campaign, called “The Promise of Oregon,” is based on two defining principles: Today’s students are Oregon’s greatest natural resource. Accordingly, we as Oregonians must invest in our public schools so the next generation can reach its potential. The new website can be found at www.promiseoregon.org. An abbreviated version of the website, with a short video, is live now, with the full website going live on Nov. 14. Already, 20 local boards have passed resolutions supporting the campaign. The “Promise” campaign, which is being run by the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA), aims to create a groundswell of public support for K-14 education, in hopes of meeting Oregon’s 40-40-20 goals and lifting student achievement and graduation rates. As the campaign moves into the 2015 legislative session, it will advocate for funding levels necessary for all of Oregon’s students to compete in the 21st century world economy. “This is the beginning of a movement that will restore the energy and investment needed to ensure that this generation will reach its maximum potential,” said Betsy Miller-Jones, OSBA’s executive director. OSBA is a member services organization for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges. It also provides services to charter schools and their boards.