Budget cuts threaten Oregon Outdoor School program as supporters prepare to rally
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — More budget cuts are threatening Oregon’s Outdoor School program, which provides hands-on science education to thousands of sixth graders across the state.
Parents, teachers and students are planning to rally Friday at the state Capitol to urge lawmakers to restore funding.
For decades, Oregon’s Outdoor Schools have offered a week-long immersive science experience that aligns with state curriculum and gives students a chance to learn outside the classroom.
Kim Mair, known as “Rue” to the students, works in the kitchen at Camp Angelos near the Sandy River as part of the Multnomah Education Service District’s Outdoor School program.
She said many students who attend Outdoor School have never had opportunities to experience nature or summer camp.
“We have students who never have this experience, they don’t go to summer camp, their families don’t go do these things, so this means a lot to them,” Mair said.
Despite record participation this year, the state Legislative Fiscal Office has proposed a $12 million cut — about 20% of the program’s budget.
Kim Silva, executive director of Friends of Outdoor School, called the proposed reductions unacceptable.
“Budget cuts in education are not a new thing, but that doesn’t mean we let them go,” Silva said.
She is organizing the rally Friday morning.
Many fear the cuts could reduce the program from five days to two or three, or result in the closure of some sites entirely.
Bailey Cose, site supervisor at Camp Magruder in Rockaway Beach, said the cuts would impact more than just time spent outdoors.
“It’s nature immersion, relationship building, and community connection,” Cose said. “I was shocked to hear this and very disappointed.”
In 2016, Oregon voters overwhelmingly approved funding Outdoor School through state lottery dollars via Ballot Measure 99.
Because the program is lottery-funded, advocates say the cuts are not justified by recent lottery revenue forecasts.
The Oregon Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to meet Friday morning.
Supporters plan to rally at the Capitol in Salem to protect what they call one of the state’s most meaningful educational traditions.
The 2025 legislative session ends June 29th.