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To contact me, please click here: Rep.BoomerWright@oregonlegislature.gov
Mr. Speaker, To the Bill:
I appreciate the opportunity to rise here today to oppose SB 1098. This bill is not about learning to read but reading to indoctrinate. While I fully support the principle of ensuring equal access to educational materials to all students, my opposition stems from the critical need to maintain age-appropriate educational materials in our public schools and to respect the rights of parents in guiding their children’s exposure to sensitive content. Many parents have pulled their children and already exited our public schools for what they viewed and distrusted being taught during COVID. SB 1098 will increase that distrust. With bills such as SB 1098, exiting will increase and will fortify the CHOICE movement here in Oregon, which I support. CHOICE will provide parents with the ability to place their children in more appropriate learning environment.
SB 1098, as written, would prohibit schools from removing certain library materials, even if their content is developmentally inappropriate for children if on the basis that the library materials include a perspective, study, or story of, or are created by, any individual or group against whom discrimination is prohibited under Oregon ORS 659.850. ORS.659.850 defines discrimination as, any act that unreasonably differentiates treatment, intended or unintended, or any act that is fair in form but discriminatory in operation, either of which is based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age or disability. Is it discrimination to ensure that five-year-olds are not exposed to explicit sexual content? Parents, in the past, have trusted schools to provide an education that aligns with age-appropriate learning, not to introduce complex concepts such as pornography and sexual content. Parents do not want broad bans on literature, they are simply demanding that materials in school libraries and classrooms be appropriate for their child’s maturity level, and parental beliefs.
Oregon’s public educational system should focus on academic excellence, literacy, and core subjects rather than advancing ideological agendas that many families do not support. SB 1098 would remove local control, silence parental concerns, and further erode trust between families and schools. The state legislature should prioritize parental rights and child-appropriate education over sweeping mandates that disregard parent and community standards. I encourage my colleagues to vote no. -Rep. Boomer Wright
Remonstrance written with input taken from constituents' testimony in opposition of SB 1098 in italics.
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Reading is Fundamental
Diane Manos from Florence Oregon
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Florence is a small town, sometimes referred to as rural or remote. Educationally, it is barely a blip on the national radar. Nonetheless, the education of our students is very important to us. Who knows, someday our graduates will build our home, set up our computers, provide medical care, or engage in many other occupations. And for that, we want them to be the best they can be.
Currently, they are not.
US News & World Report 2024 data give the following statistics: Basic math proficiency for Siuslaw Elementary, Middle and High School is at 29%, 22%, and 23%, respectively. Reading scores do not fare much better at 40%, 31% and 61%, respectively. Siuslaw High School seniors scored a pitiful 19% proficiency in science. Further, three in every ten students do not graduate.
The student-teacher ratio is 14:1, lower than the state average. That is a small classroom size that should leave no student by the wayside.
Everyone is aware that COVID-19 shutdowns put our students at a disadvantage. What is being done to make up for it, except excuses? If we let this go on, our children will be left with a dismal future.
We want to see measurable goals. It’s not a vague concept. It’s been done for years. Cultural platitudes can come after demonstratable gains in math, reading, and science.
A Special District Election will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Director Positions 2, 4 and 6 are up for a vote for Siuslaw School District #97J. It is time to prioritize learning essential skills that will serve our children and maximize their future. Children are much better at discerning their own social structure than adults.
Let’s get back to basics.
-Diane Manos
 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program - National Volunteer Fire Council
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You're invited to join us for a FREE luncheon on May 7th, at the Mill Casino Hotel's Salmon Room, beginning at 11:30am, courtesy of the VCB!
RSVP NOW to reserve your spot.
After lunch, join us at the Egyptian Theatre for the premiere of The Accessible Oregon Coast Film Tour, featuring three short films highlighting the incredible work being done to make the Oregon Coast more accessible! Admission is FREE and sponsored by Travel Oregon and Oregon’s Adventure Coast. The show starts at 2pm
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