Landmark decision is a first in the nation, providing all students with comprehensive outdoor education
It was a decisive victory for Oregon’s Measure 99 on Tuesday as voters said yes not only to continuing Oregon’s 60-year legacy of providing outdoor education to middle school students, but expanding it for the benefit of all children statewide. With this historic vote, Oregon became the first state in the nation to provide week-long Outdoor School education for all students.
Advocates for Measure 99 said the decision to Save Outdoor School for All is fantastic news for kids, education, local communities and the future of Oregon.
“We are thrilled that voters recognized the tremendous value of this amazing Oregon legacy,” said Rex Burkholder, chair of Yes on 99 campaign. “We had incredible support from a broad coalition of parents, teachers, conservation groups, and businesses who recognized that even in today’s digital age, nature is still one of our best classrooms to help ensure the future prosperity and well-being of Oregon and of Oregon’s next generation.”
Measure 99 dedicates $22 million of lottery dollars annually, establishing a permanent, stable source of funding for Outdoor School, so that every Oregon middle school student (in 5th or 6th grade) will be able to attend a full week of hands-on, science-based outdoor education. Currently only about half of Oregon students attend Outdoor School, with most existing programs limited to two or three days.
In 2015, the Oregon Legislature passed SB439, setting statewide standards and directing the OSU Extension Service to certify and fund Outdoor School programs. Funds will be distributed from the Oregon Lottery each budget quarter (at a rate of 4 percent, up to $5.5 million per quarter) beginning in July 2017. Schools will have access to these funds in the 2017-2018 school year. The Oregon Outdoor Education Coalition (www.oregonoutdoored.org) and Measure 99 partners will continue to advocate for full implementation so that every Oregon student has access to Outdoor School and other outdoor education opportunities.
Support for the effort to Save Outdoor School for All was strong from the start. Organizers gathered more than 140,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot in the summer of 2016, nearly double the requirement. The movement gained steam with support and endorsements from a wide variety of partners, educators, community organizations and businesses from all 36 Oregon counties who recognized Outdoor School’s value not only as an essential educational program, but also as a critical means to bridge the state’s urban-rural divide.
More than 200 diverse entities joined in the fight, ranging from local businesses such as New Seasons, KEEN and Next Adventure, to major corporations such as Nike, Columbia Sportswear and REI. Natural resources organizations such as Starker Forests and Oregon Women in Agriculture, along with conservation groups including The Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society of Portland also were among key supporters of Save Outdoor School for All.
“This is a huge win for everyone who loves Oregon and what this state stands for,” said Carol Packard, a middle-school teacher from Sisters and member of the Oregon Science Teachers Association. “Measure 99 helps ensure the next generation has a strong connection to nature and gives kids a solid foundation in hands-on, science-based learning and leadership opportunities. It’s a landmark decision for what it means to be an Oregonian.”
