Thank you for joining us for Capitol Day
Thank you, families, for a great Capitol Day! More than 200 people attended the event, representing five different Oregon virtual public schools. Virtual school teachers led an educational program using cake vs pie as "parties" to illustrate how the voting process works in Oregon. Despite security screening issues at the Capitol, many families were able visit their legislators. I apologize to any families who had to wait in the long line to go through the Capitol security. We will improve the process for getting into the Capitol during our 2026 Capitol Day event.
In this issue, meet a Central Oregon family who enjoys FFA at their local virtual public school. Scroll down for a legislative update and some fun at-home spring break activities.
Family Spotlight – Online students participate in FFA
"FFA is available in schools across the country to teach students about the value of agriculture, business, economics and government. FFA builds leadership and life skills in student participants.
We learned that our online public charter school was offering FFA this school year and my kids jumped on the opportunity to participate. We are thrilled that the national FFA has recognized the value of the online learning community and has made statewide FFA programs available to online schools. My kids attend their monthly FFA meetings over Zoom with other students from across Oregon. They get the opportunity to learn new things and grow as future leaders.
We were so excited about Capitol Day because we had the chance to advocate with state representatives for online schools and show them how students have amazing opportunities like FFA when they attend an online school. Who knows the doors that could open next for my two FFA officers. The possibilities are endless."
Photo: Johnny and Annabella with their mom Rebekah, FAA student officers from Central Oregon
Legislative update
We continue to monitor HB 2144, legislation introduced by Rep. Emily McIntire (R-56). The bill makes administrative changes to the 3% enrollment cap on virtual schools including:
Shortening the time school districts have to notify a family they have been denied enrollment in a virtual school from ten calendar days to five business days
Establishing an Oregon Department of Education central database to make enrollment data available to school districts
Requiring a school district to use most recent enrollment data collected for the school district and the information available to the school district through the central database
These changes will improve access for families seeking to enroll in a virtual public school. The bill must be scheduled for a work session by this Friday, March 21 for it to continue through the legislative process. If the bill doesn’t receive a work session, it is “dead” for this legislative session.
Spring break ideas
Have a great spring break! Thank you for all you do to support our schools.
Sincerely,
Tricia F. Powell
President
The Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance is coalition of parent volunteers whose primary objective is protecting access to a quality, virtual public education in our state. We seek to protect this right by educating Oregon policymakers about the benefits of virtual public charter schools and the positive contributions they make to our children's education.