Oregon Senate Bill SB773

Oregon 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/23/23
• Failed: 6/25/23

Caption

Relating to expenses incurred as a result of violation of abbreviated school day program requirements; declaring an emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB773 will amend the current Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 343.161) to prohibit school districts from unilaterally placing students in abbreviated school day programs without proper consultation with parents or foster parents. This brings a significant shift in how school districts must manage these programs, emphasizing the need for parent involvement and documentation regarding a student’s educational needs prior to placement. This could substantially change how schools address individual student requirements and may also increase the accountability of educational institutions in terms of their decision-making processes.

Summary

SB773 is a legislative measure that focuses on the management of students enrolled in abbreviated school day programs within Oregon. Specifically, it empowers the Superintendent of Public Instruction to mandate school districts to reimburse parents or foster parents for reasonable expenses incurred during periods when students are placed on abbreviated schedules that do not comply with existing requirements. The bill asserts the right of students to receive the same instructional hours as their peers, thereby aiming to protect the educational rights of students, particularly foster youth who may be disproportionately affected by such placements.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB773 appears to be supportive, particularly from parent advocacy groups and educational reformers who value the emphasis on parent and foster parent engagement in the decision-making process regarding educational placements. They argue that this bill ensures that the voices of those directly involved in a child's care are heard and respected in educational settings. However, there may be concerns from school administrators about the potential administrative burden and liability that comes with increased oversight and the financial implications of required reimbursements.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the financial impact on school districts, particularly in terms of complying with the reimbursement requirements set forth by the bill. School districts could argue that the necessity for reimbursement could strain their budgets, especially if they are required to make such payments frequently. Furthermore, debates may arise around how the law defines reasonable expenses and the processes for documenting compliance with these new requirements, potentially leading to disputes between parents, schools, and the state regarding reimbursements.