April 2023 Newsletter - HB3204

Show your support for virtual public schools

In 2011, the Oregon State Legislature placed a cap of 3% on the number of kids in a school district that can transfer to virtual public charter schools. On May 2 at 3pm, the Senate Education Committee will hold a hearing on House Bill 3204 A, which includes administrative changes to the 3% enrollment cap. While the bill doesn’t raise or remove the cap, it’s a positive first step to leveling the playing field and ensuring fairness for families seeking to enroll their student in a virtual public school.

The parent voice needs to be part of the conversation around the 3% enrollment cap. Please do your part and register to deliver remote testimony in support of House Bill 3204 A at the Senate Education Committee hearing on May 2.

Tell members of the committee what a virtual public education means to your family and urge them to approve House Bill 3204 A so more families have access to a virtual public school option.


How to deliver testimony in support of House Bill 3204 A

  • Thank the Education Committee Chair and the members of the committee for the opportunity to voice your support for House Bill 3204 A.

  • State your full name and the city where you live

  • Say that you’re the parent of a student who is enrolled in a virtual public school or who is seeking to enroll

  • Share your virtual public school story and what this option means to your family 

  • Tell committee members that virtual public schools are proven, established programs that have state-certified teachers and curriculum

  • Urge committee members to pass House Bill 3204 A so more families have access to a virtual public school option

  • Thank the committee for the opportunity to testify 


If you’ve never testified before a legislative committee, email us and we can walk you through how it’s done. 

If you can’t testify deliver remote testimony or if you would prefer to submit written testimony or comments, you can submit written testimony to the committee. Written testimony must be submitted no later than 24 hours after the start of the hearing, so no later than 3 pm on May 3.

Thank you for your support. 

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.