Oregon’s Secretary of State has formally questioned the performance and accountability of the state’s K–12 education system, citing ongoing concerns about outcomes despite increased funding. The action follows up on a previous report highlighting risks to system improvement.
Secretary of State Tobias Read sent a letter dated April 25 to the Oregon Department of Education, seeking updates on how the department has addressed five key risks identified in a 2022 systemic risk report issued by his predecessor. The 2022 report flagged potential issues that could hinder improvements in the state’s schools.
The inquiry comes as education accountability in the Legislature has become a major topic. Recent data suggests significant investment in education has not correlated with improved student performance.
A presentation by the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University indicated Oregon's spending on education has risen substantially since 2013, partly through the 2019 Student Success Act, yet student outcomes have declined. Oregon ranks last nationwide in fourth grade reading and mathematics when adjusted for demographics.
The 2022 report recommended actions including improving monitoring of performance and support for districts, increasing transparency, scrutinizing district spending patterns, clarifying enforceable standards, and streamlining governance structures. The state legislature and Governor have begun pursuing reforms related to some of these areas.
Secretary of State Read emphasized the financial aspect in his letter, stating, "Billions of taxpayer dollars are on the line." He stressed the need to "deliver results of which Oregonians can be proud."
Spokeswomen for the Department of Education and the Secretary of State confirmed that the department is preparing an official response and a meeting between the offices is planned.
The role of the Secretary of State often involves oversight responsibilities, and such inquiries can draw attention to state agency performance. This action occurs while other state Secretaries of State, such as Michigan's Jocelyn Benson, also maintain a high public profile, with Benson recently releasing a memoir as she campaigns for governor in 2026.
An education policy expert suggested the Secretary of State’s letter could prompt necessary changes.
“We invested more money through the SSA and spent federal relief dollars,” said Dr. Christine Pitts, an Oregon education advocate. “but with the outcomes still flat or dropping, it just makes sense to ask whether ODE has created an action plan and followed through on the audit.”
