Capitol Day is April 16 - Register today!

Dear Virtual Public School Families,

Virtual Schools Capitol Day is in just two weeks!  Don’t miss out on this fun event.  Register today! You will have the opportunity to meet other virtual school families, teach your children about state government and demonstrate your support for virtual public education.  Join us in Salem for Virtual Public Schools Capitol Day on Thursday, April 16.  You can click here to register now!

Last month, hundreds of parents contacted their state legislators to express their concerns about HB2170, a bill to cut funding for virtual public schools.  Due to the strong voice of virtual public school supporters, the House Education Committee cancelled two hearings on this bill. The cancellation of these hearings proves that the parent voice matters in the debate over virtual public education and school choice.  Well done!

I urge you to continue to make your voice heard in the halls of the Capitol by attending Virtual Public Schools Capitol Day on April 16.  Capitol Day is an opportunity to recognize our legislators who are strong champions of public school options, show our support for virtual public schools and talk to legislators about protecting this important education option. 

I hope you will join us in Salem for Capitol Day on Thursday, April 16.  If you have your yellow scarf from a last year’s Capitol Day, please wear it again this year to show your support.  We’ll of course, have more for everybody.

Here’s the plan:

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Registration at the Mission Mill Museum

1313 Mill St., SE, Salem (2 blocks from State Capitol Building – free on-site parking available)

10:00 AM – 10:10 AM – Welcome

10:10 AM – 11:10 AM – Education program for students

11:10 AM – 11:25 AM – Legislative Update

11:25 AM – 12:10 PM – Lunch

12:10 PM – Walk to the Capitol

12:30 PM – Legislator Awards Ceremony on the Capitol Steps

1:00 PM – Drop in on your State Legislators

1:30 PM – Tour of the Capitol Building (Space is limited and based on first come – first served)

2:30 PM – Tour of the Capitol Building (Space is limited and based on first come – first served)

Capitol Day is your opportunity to meet other virtual school families, teach your children about state government, and tell your state legislators why virtual public education is an option that needs to be protected.

Please click here to register for Capitol Day, Thursday, April 16.  If you have any questions, please email us at info@oregonvirtualschools.org.

See you in Salem on April 16.

Sincerely,

Steven Isaacs
President

You did it! Funding cut hearing cancelled!

Dear Virtual Public School Supporters,

You helped make it happen! Due to the strong voice of virtual public school parents and students, the House Education Committee has cancelled the hearing on HB2170, the virtual school funding cut bill. 

The committee planned to consider the bill during a hearing tomorrow, Friday, March 6.  Legislators received over 400 emails and numerous calls from parents who expressed their concerns about the impact a funding cut would have on their virtual public school.  The cancellation of this hearing proves that your voice matters in the debate over virtual public education and school choice.  Well done!

We will keep you informed of future developments in Salem on the issue of virtual education.  In the meantime, you can email us with any questions.  And don’t forget to sign up for Capitol Day on April 16th (click on the link and scroll down to the bottom of the page to view the registration form).

Thank you for all you do to advocate on behalf of Oregon’s virtual public school students.

Sincerely,

Steven Isaacs
President

Your help is needed to fight virtual school funding cuts

Dear Virtual Public School Families, 

Last week I told you about HB2170, a bill that would cut funding for virtual public schools. Well, we’ve gone from worried to very concerned.  We just learned that HB2170 is moving through the legislative process and we need your help!  The House Education Committee will hold a hearing on HB2170 on Wednesday, February 25th.

Many special interests have tried to limit access to options like virtual public schools but they have failed in their attempts.  Now they have their sights set on funding for our schools, which already receive less money than traditional schools.

Your help is urgently needed!  Here are two things you can do:

    •    Send an email to your legislators asking them to oppose cuts to virtual public school funding.  This is easy to do: simply click here and fill out this form.  Don’t forget to add a personal message about why virtual schools are critical for your child’s education.  The form provides a blank message box for you to add your personal message. 

    •    Come to Salem on February 25th and speak up on behalf of your virtual public school.  If you can testify, please email us and we’ll get in touch with you.  The hearing will be in held in Hearing Room D of the State Capitol at 1:00PM on Wednesday, February 25th. Please see the details below 

House Education Committee Hearing on HB2170
Wednesday, February 25th
1:00PM
Hearing Room D
Oregon State Capitol Building
900 Court Street, NE
Salem 97301 

Virtual public schools, which are organized under Oregon’s charter law, already receive less funding than traditional public schools.  But, we still need adequate resources to maintain our effective, state-certified teaching staff, competent administrators, world-class curriculum that complies with core standards, and a sophisticated technology platform capable of delivering instruction.  Rather than focusing on the quality of the education or the importance of education choices that fit the needs of our kids, legislators are looking to cut funding.  That’s not right. 

Our students deserve the same commitment to a quality education that others receive in traditional brick and mortar public schools.  But, we desperately need your voice engaged in this process if we’re going to be successful in stopping any funding cuts. 

Thank you for all you do on behalf of Oregon’s virtual public school families.

Sincerely, 

Steven Isaacs
President