Natalie Pate
Natalie Pate is a K-12 education reporter for OPB. Natalie has written about education in Oregon and beyond for nearly a decade, including more than seven years at the Statesman Journal in Salem. She is a former fellow for Investigative Reporters and Editors and the Education Writers Association. Her byline has appeared in outlets such as Oregon Capital Chronicle, Eater PDX, The Hechinger Report and USA Today.
Natalie is passionate about accountability and equity reporting in education. She loves to share the stories and perspectives of students, families and employees most impacted by the K-12 system. Send questions and tips to npate@opb.org.
Latest Stories
Oregon lawmakers move closer to prohibiting student cellphones in schools statewide
Oregon students may soon be prevented from using cellphones and other personal electronic devices at school.
Oregon governor joins labor, education leaders in effort to protect students from bullying, discrimination
Updated guidance from Gov. Tina Kotek and Bureau of Labor and Industries Commissioner Christina Stephenson reflects a two-pronged approach for school districts to protect students.
Portland high schoolers raise money, awareness for youth aging out of foster care system
Over 27 years, Oregon students working with Schnitzer Cares: Student Grantmaking have given out over $5 million to more than 560 nonprofit organizations and school programs.
Preschool for All needs to spend more of its savings, do more outreach and training, audit finds
A new Multnomah County audit found that Oregon’s unique program generally provides quality education and care to children who need it most. But it says the program risks losing credibility if it doesn’t become universal by 2030 as promised to voters.
Oregon Department of Education shuts down literacy, math development programs due to unexpected federal funding cut
The U.S. Department of Education recently told state officials they would not receive nearly $3.5 million in COVID-era, congressionally appropriated dollars for improving student reading and math skills.
Lawmakers consider extension of Oregon’s prison time alternative for parents
Oregon’s Family Sentencing Alternative Pilot Program started 10 years ago and has served hundreds of kids and parents. It’s set to sunset this year if lawmakers don’t pass House Bill 2555.
Vancouver Public Schools releases findings into teacher sexual misconduct allegations
The two-part investigation confirmed that a teacher engaged in grooming behavior and had a sexual relationship with a student. Warning signs and patterns were missed. The district says it has improved its systems to better prevent future incidents.
How federal funding cuts are affecting one small school district in an Oregon community that voted heavily for Trump
Grant School District is hundreds of thousands of dollars into a project that is supposed to be reimbursed by the federal government. Now, it’s not clear the feds will pay.
‘OPB Politics Now’: A deep dive on Oregon’s education system
A deep dive on special education funding, pandemic learning loss and what to do with Oregon's education funding.
Woodburn School Board narrowly approves ‘Safe and Welcoming Schools’ resolution at tense board meeting
The board rejected the resolution originally late last month and decided to revisit it in March. The vote was met with strong pushback from staff, families and students.