Outdoor School Funding Update
June 23, 2025
Today, we learned that the Oregon Legislature did not restore full Outdoor School funding. We are deeply disappointed, and we expect you are as well. Please know that your letters, emails, and phone calls were not in vain! Over the last three weeks, you have shared your stories, educated legislators and their staff, and created numerous Outdoor School champions in the legislature. All of that effort will help us as we work to restore this important funding.
Friends of Outdoor School will be working diligently over the coming days, weeks, and months to restore Outdoor School funding to voter-approved levels.
We know schools and Outdoor School providers will work just as hard to ensure that students receive the best possible Outdoor School experience, in spite of this challenge. For that, we thank them.
Oregon voters were clear when we voted for Ballot Measure 99: A full 4% of state lottery funds should be dedicated to providing a week of Outdoor School for every fifth or sixth grade student in the state. We recognize the challenge that budget-writers faced with limited resources, AND the community called on legislators to hold this foundational, voter-approved, Oregon experience whole. For that, we thank you.
We will continue to stay in touch with you to keep you informed and give you opportunities to engage in the process.
For the kids!,
Kim & Dan
KEY INFORMATION:
Oregon State University Extension Service Outdoor School:
Important financial and impact information directly from Oregon State University Extension Service Outdoor School can be found here and will be updated regularly.
What’s happened so far:
June 16th: The Senate approved a bill including a $12 million cut to Outdoor School funding from current service levels.
June 6th: The Oregon Joint Committee on Ways and Means voted to pass a budget that cuts Outdoor School funding by $12 million. Watch for yourself- the work session on SB 5525 begins at 1:22.
June 2nd: The Oregon Joint Committee on Ways and Means subcommittee on Education passed a budget that cuts Outdoor School funding by $12 million. Watch for yourself.
What to include in your calls and emails:
Recognize the difficult budget environment
Emphasize that they honor the will of the voters, who overwhelmingly passed Ballot Measure 99 in 2016. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER!
Share why you think Outdoor School is important for Oregon kids.
Ask them to restore the $12 million cut
Include your full name and address