New audit charts progress of Oregon high school success program
A new audit from the Oregon Secretary of State finds the state Department of Education continues to help students graduate through the Measure 98 High School Success Program. Oregon voters approved Measure 98 in 2016. The program gives money to schools to support career technical education and college courses for high school students. An audit of the program’s effectiveness is required every two years. Andrew Love, an audit manager with the state, said his team’s audit suggests schools might benefit from Oregon breaking down silos in funding sources. “The school districts have grants that they tend to just use for singular programs,” Love said. “With this idea … school districts are allowed to take funds from different grants and combine them to make a more robust program.” In addition to Measure 98, Oregon schools receive billions of dollars from state and federal sources. That includes the Student Success Act, which is funded by a business tax established three years ago. A Secretary of State audit published earlier this year stressed the need for more oversight of all school spending. (Elizabeth Miller/OPB)
Vancouver OKs climate plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions
The Vancouver City Council unanimously approved a package of actions this week designed to dramatically reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The Columbian reports the package could help the city reduce emissions by more than 80 percent over the next 18 years. Estimates show the projects could cost the city up to $8 million a year, but a state analysis of climate impact also shows spending money on de-carbonization is cheaper in the long run. Gas and fossil fuel companies in Southwest Washington are generally supportive of the plan but said they have some concerns about the language in the package. Overall, city officials said they are pleased with the progress Vancouver is making on its climate goals. (Lauren Ellenbecker/The Columbian)
St. Charles joins Oregon hospitals in mental health lawsuit
St. Charles Health System is the latest hospital to join a lawsuit against Oregon due to a lack of mental health care options. The Bend Bulletin reports St. Charles has joined other large health systems — such as Legacy, Providence and PeaceHealth — that sued the state in September because patients who need long-term mental health care at the Oregon State Hospital cannot gain quick admission. The state institution has struggled to admit patients in recent years, in part because it needs to prioritize people charged with crimes. In their lawsuit, the Oregon health care systems allege that the backlog is forcing them to provide long-term mental health treatment that they aren’t equipped for. (Suzanne Roig/The Bend Bulletin)
Vancouver’s affordable housing tax returns for special election
Vancouver’s main community resource to lessen its affordable housing challenges is nearing the end of its lifespan and will appear before voters again. Proposition 3 will appear on Vancouver residents’ ballot in the Feb. 14 special election and, if approved, would impose a tax levy of about 30 cents per $1,000 in assessed value for 10 years — collecting about $100 million total for the city’s Affordable Housing Fund over that period. Money from the levy would be dedicated to housing and housing services for low-income people. Specifically, city officials project the money will preserve or construct 2,400 affordable units, fund 550 shelter beds and provide 2,500 households with rental assistance and other services. (Lauren Ellenbecker/The Columbian)
Mega-corridor work in Medford to start in 2023
Construction on a long-awaited bypass for Interstate 5 in Medford is expected to begin in 2023. The so-called mega corridor stretches for two miles, widening the Medford portion of Foothill Road from two lanes into four with turn lanes at intersections. The project also will add bike lanes and sidewalks. Two companies have submitted bids. Officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation are reviewing the lowest bid of roughly $56 million before moving forward. The lower bid still came in $11 million higher than what the city of Medford had budgeted, but the city is looking at delaying other projects to help fund the Foothill rebuild. (Damian Mann/The Mail Tribune)
St. Vincent repurposes food pantry in Eugene
In Eugene, a food bank will close and be repurposed to suit the changing needs of people in the area. St. Vincent de Paul is closing its Atkinson Food Room at the Lindholm Center at the end of December. According to St. Vincent de Paul, the food pantry they operate in north Eugene has seen a steady drop in the number of families coming in for food boxes supplied by FOOD for Lane County. Meanwhile, there’s been a dramatic rise in demand for shelter space as winter months arrive. (Tiffany Eckert/KLCC)
