Dear Education Community, 

Autumn is in full swing: leaves are changing colors and crunching under our feet, the fog and rain help us appreciate the rare sunny periods that much more, and planning has begun for a busy holiday season with family and friends. It’s a season of transformation, gratitude and unity.

Transformation

I want to start by naming what we all see and feel — there’s a lot happening right now. We’re seeing several major fiscal and policy shifts happening at the same time: Congress passing H.R. 1, the federal government shutdown, and Governor Kotek’s direction to slow state spending to maintain state revenue stability. Each one of these has its own process and purpose, but together they can create a feeling of uncertainty. And it’s okay to acknowledge that — it can feel heavy, especially when the work we do is already so complex.

What I want you to hear from me today is this: ODE is steady, focused, and on it. We’re responding quickly and thoughtfully. We’re working with our state partners. And most importantly, we’re protecting the work that matters most — supporting Oregon’s students, families, and schools.

The Oregon Department of Education is in its own transformation as we strategically align our efforts under a unified plan that clarifies goals and outcomes, defines measurable objectives, and strengthens internal alignment. At the same time, we are deep in the work of implementing the 2025 Education Accountability Act (SB 141) that will bring shared accountability to Oregon’s education system — from the Capitol to the classroom. This work does not stop, because our scholars cannot afford for us to pause.

Gratitude

Even with all that is happening with the federal government, at this time there are no disruptions to federally funded education programs in Oregon. ODE has procedures in place to sustain services and reimbursements for the time being. Legal challenges from several states, including Oregon, via Attorney General Dan Rayfield, have stopped numerous executive orders from being enacted that could have significantly impacted our schools. And while the battles are not yet over, I am grateful to those who are working tirelessly to make sure all levels of government adhere to the law.

At the local level, I know administrators, educators and support staff have been hard at work making their schools a safe, welcoming place for our scholars. Thank you for all you do for our students: listening to their fears and concerns and speaking up for their rights. I am grateful that we are in this together.

Unity

We are stronger because of the diversity we have in our communities, our state and our nation and I want to remind us to celebrate it whenever we can. There are two stories below that highlight such celebrations. The first is about Native American Heritage Month and the installment of the flags representing Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes at the State Board of Education meeting room. I want to thank everyone who helped make that happen, including Tribal representatives and ODE’s Office of Indian Education. 

The second story recognizes November as Transgender Awareness Month. It is heartbreaking and infuriating to see constant attacks against the transgender community by those who have great power and influence. I urge you to read more about what we need to do to make sure our schools are places of support, not hate.

As we continue through this season of transformation, gratitude and unity, let us remember that our strength lies in one another - in our shared purpose, compassion and dedication to Oregon’s scholars. Gwendolyn Brooks said it best, “We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.” Let’s stay steady, focused and united.

In Love & Justice,

Dr. Charlene Williams