Staff Report / Bendlocal.org

**Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Meets with Bend Senior High Students to Discuss School Funding Issues**

Dr. Steven Cook, Superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools in Bend, Oregon, recently spent time in the classroom with students at Bend Senior High School as part of his ongoing engagement with the district's educational community. Earlier this week, he visited the school's Design Justice class, taught by Matt Fox, to discuss critical topics related to school funding and its effects on daily student experiences.

During the meeting, Dr. Cook addressed various facets of public education funding in Oregon, including the mechanics of the funding process, the impact of unfunded legislative mandates, and strategies to supplement district revenue. He also outlined the potential consequences of losing federal grants that currently support important programs like school lunches and resources for students with disabilities, students living in poverty or homelessness, and others facing disadvantages.

The students actively engaged in the discussion, posing questions about how they can advocate for their interests both at the district and state levels. Specific topics of interest included class sizes, the availability of course offerings, school facilities, and staffing levels.

This dialogue provided students with a clearer understanding of the challenges and potential avenues for influencing educational policies and practices. Dr. Cook emphasized the importance of student voices in shaping the future of their education system.

Source: Bend-La Pine Schools

Source Type: School

Source Location: Bend

Bend, OR

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