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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

High School Graduation Initiative Qualifies For Oregon Ballot

OregonDOT
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Oregon DOT

Oregonians will vote on an initiative that aims to increase the state's high school graduation rate. The Oregon Secretary of State's office announced Thursday that supporters of IP 65 had gathered enough valid signatures for the measure to appear on the November ballot.

This measure would require Oregon to fund dropout-prevention programs, as well as career and college readiness programs in Oregon high schools. The initiative would allocate $800 from the state's general fund per high school student each year. Its sponsors include former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski.

In a statement, sponsors said the measure would increase graduation rates by allowing every school district in Oregon to offer vocational and career technical education to students. It would also provide more tutoring to students who are struggling.

The campaign behind the measure has raised more than $4 million so far. The bulk of that has come from the education advocacy group Stand for Children.

There is no organized opposition to the measure at this point.