Dear Education Community,
I am looking forward to a time (and I have to have faith that it will come) when I can write to you all and start the message with something more hopeful, more potent, more powerful than an acknowledgement of what you are facing and how deeply challenging it is.
Over the past few weeks, we have heard from districts, educators, families, and students who are navigating the trauma of neighbors being detained, families being separated, and children unsure of what awaits them when they return home from school. Across Oregon, there is an increase in fear and uncertainty as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity intensifies in our communities. This is not about abstract policies—these are real impacts on Oregonians, our students, and the communities we serve.
While federal actions may continue to shift rapidly, our values do not. In Oregon, we remain grounded in our shared belief that EVERY child—regardless of race, national origin, language, citizenship, or immigration status—has the right to learn, to feel safe, and to be supported in our public schools. We are committed to using every lever within our authority to uphold these rights, protect our students, and stand with the communities experiencing heightened fear.
To support your efforts, ODE has compiled these resources for you to utilize as you navigate the coming months in support of the children and families in your community.
Preparing for Breaks and Transitions with Care and Connection
This climate of fear is impacting school attendance and engagement with other critical resources at a time that we already know can be challenging for students and staff. If they do not feel safe, our scholars cannot achieve the academic excellence that they deserve.
Reactions to interruptions in routines and regular activities can take many forms: frustration, anger, irritability, sadness, and withdrawal. That is why we are continuing to encourage schools and districts to prioritize care, connection and community. Please review this flyer to access resources that promote and support health and well-being.
Budget Update
Earlier this fall, the Legislative Fiscal Office required all state agencies to prepare 2.5% and 5% reduction options for the 2026 Legislative Session amid economic uncertainty. ODE submitted its options on November 3.
Shortly after, the state revenue forecast was released, which brought some encouraging news: Oregon’s economy remains resilient, recession risks are easing, and the projected General Fund deficit has narrowed significantly. However, it’s important to understand that, even with this positive news, the state budget remains out of balance, especially when factoring in federal HR 1 impacts and ongoing needs for essential state services. This means the legislature is still likely to face difficult choices in 2026.
Any discussion about budget reductions can cause concern. This stage, though, is about transparency and planning—no decisions have been made, and no reductions are happening now. ODE will continue to communicate clearly and share updates as the legislative process unfolds.
2025 Highlights
Even with all the challenges we face (and because challenges can often foment negativity), I find it especially important to regularly make space for gratitude, and I hope you do, too. For me, this can be as simple as giving thanks for a sunny day, a good audio book, or spending quality time with my family. Gratitude reminds us of life’s gifts and goodness, and I encourage you to find ways to build gratitude into your daily life.
As we close out 2025, I am grateful for our shared successes over the past year. I know there are TOO MANY to list, but here are a few highlights:
Looking Forward
As we turn to a new year, I am excited to see the ODE strategic planning and alignment project continuing to take shape. Through this work, we are aligning the agency’s efforts under a unified plan that clarifies goals and outcomes, defines measurable objectives, and strengthens internal alignment. This process will lead to two tangible outputs: an agency-aligned strategic plan with strategies and measurable targets organized under our three pillars (Academic Excellence, Belonging and Wellness, Shared Accountability), and an implementation and monitoring plan. I look forward to sharing more in the new year about this work.
Standing Together
Thank you for your courage, leadership, and commitment during this deeply challenging time. Your steadiness and compassion make all the difference for the children and families who depend on us.
As I have mentioned in the past, there is a beautiful phenomenon in nature, when danger approaches, a herd will often close ranks—positioning the vulnerable at the center and standing shoulder to shoulder to protect its own. Today, we do the same. We stand together, outward-facing, resolute, and united in our purpose to safeguard the hopes and dreams of every Oregon learner.
As always, thank you for all that you do.
In Love and Justice,
Dr. Charlene Williams
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