The Oregon School Administrator

As we enter November, I want to begin by expressing deep gratitude for the historic investment Oregon lawmakers made this past session to support our students and schools. Those dollars are already making a difference—helping districts stabilize staffing, expanding learning opportunities, doubling down on literacy work, and beginning the school year with optimism and momentum. Yet, we also recognize that we are moving into a period of economic uncertainty. As districts plan ahead, we are closely watching the potential impacts of HR-1 and the downstream effects on state revenue and school funding. The upcoming November revenue forecast will be a pivotal moment. Early indicators suggest we may see reductions on the horizon, but we believe there is still time for a thoughtful, measured response. Oregon voters created the Education Stability Fund for moments like this—to sustain critical investments and protect programs such as the State School Fund and the Student Investment Account, both of which directly benefit students every day.

Oregon’s K-12 system is working hard and delivering for all kids. Across the state, educators, school boards, and business officials are innovating, collaborating, and stretching every dollar to serve students well. But we must acknowledge the forces outside of schools’ control—from federal funding shifts to the loss of Medicaid and SNAP benefits—that add complexity to families’ and educators’ lives. When these pressures converge, the ripple effects on learning are real. This is not about blame—it’s about ensuring we make the right choices, together, in the weeks ahead. We have both the time and tools to respond wisely. We urge thoughtful action to protect Oregon’s progress, sustain our schools, and, most importantly, keep students at the center of every decision.

— Dr. Krista Parent
Executive Director, Coalition of Oregon School Administrators

There’s never been a more important time to stay informed, connected, and ready to lead. The COSA Law Conference brings together Oregon’s top legal minds and educational leaders to help you navigate the evolving landscape of education law and policy with confidence. This year’s conference is designed for everyone in the education ecosystem; superintendents, principals, HR directors, special education leaders, etc. Our six essential learning strands ensure something valuable for every role:

• Student Rights
• Employment & HR
• Policy & Legislation
• Special Education & Student Services
• Governance & Leadership
• Investigations & Compliance

COSA is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to elevate instructional leadership aligned with Oregon’s new standards in the following academies and seminar series for district leaders.

• New Superintendents Years 1 and 2 Academies
• New Principals Academy
• New Assistant Principals Academy
• Oregon Association of Central Office Administrators (OACOA) Seminar Series

Do you know an assistant, middle, or high school principal who is making an extraordinary difference for students, staff, and their community? Now is the time to recognize their leadership and impact!

Nominations are officially open for

• Assistant Principal of the Year

• Middle School Principal of the Year

• High School Principal of the Year

Eligibility

Assistant Principal of the Year

• Be an active assistant principal at any grade level 6-12

• Be a current member of OASSA and NASSP

• AP Eligibility Details

  
  

Middle School Principal of the Year

• Be an active middle school principal

• Be a current member of OASSA and NASSP

• MS Eligibility Details

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High School Principal of the Year

• Be an active high school principal

• Be a current member of OASSA and NASSP

• HS Eligibility Details

  
  

Submit your nomination online

• Assistant Principal Nomination Form
• Middle School Nomination Form
• High School Nomination Form

Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Selection Process

• Nominations will be reviewed by the OASSA Executive Committee

• Oregon’s honorees will be notified in late November 2025

• Selected principals will then be invited to complete the national application by December 15, 2025.

This month, Lake County School District captures the heart of #OregonStrong with two new videos celebrating what makes their small-town schools so special. From dedicated teachers and joyful classrooms to strong community connections, Fremont/Hay and Union Elementary Schools show how every child is known, valued, and inspired to grow. These short films highlight the power of close-knit communities creating big opportunities for students—a perfect example of the Oregon Strong spirit in action.

Looking back on National Principal Month, we want to honor every Oregon principal, and every educator who shared their tap on the shoulder story last month.

Your honesty, humility, and hope remind us that this work, though hard, is profoundly important. You are leading in a time that demands courage, flexibility, and heart. You are doing the right work at the right time.

Thank you to those who shared your stories.And thank you to every principal showing up every day for students, families, and communities across Oregon.

You are the reason this work matters — and the reason it continues.

Click the link below to view the video submissions and check out some great advice from current principals below.

At the end of October, we wrapped up our 2025 Fall Regional Meetings. Thank you to all of our regional education service district partners who hosted this year. And many thanks to all the Superintendents and COSA leaders who joined us at one of the twelve regional meetings this year – over 380 members attended the meetings this year – a record number!

At each Fall Regional Meeting, we:

• Kicked off each meeting with everyone sharing positive stories and highlights from the current school year

• Gathered your insights what would it take a make Oregon’s education system the best in the country

• Shared timely information on professional learning, communications, leadership, and licensure opportunities

• Reinforced how your advocacy made a difference during the 2025 Session, and reviewed key bills and budgets that passed

• Shared the latest information on both state and federal budget dynamics and what that means for our work in support of students in the interim and beyond

• Asked you to share your top 2-3 challenges that will shape our policy and advocacy work moving forward

Your engagement in fall regionals is so crucial in shaping our work together. In the coming weeks, we will review the feedback, insights, and challenges you shared with our team; report back the major themes we heard; and share how your input is helping inform our work as we prepare for 2026 and beyond.

State Board of Education Rulemaking

Throughout this fall and winter, we will continue to elevate engagement opportunities and provide updates on the State Board of Education’s rulemaking process, especially on the implementation of the Education Accountability Act of 2025 (SB 141) and updates to the Program Budget and Accounting Manual and Chart of Accounts.

November 19th - State Economic and Revenue Forecast will be Released

On November 19th, Oregon state economists will release the December forecast. Our team will provide a summary of the forecast later that day; and will also review the highlights at the Friday Forum on November 21st.

This forecast will be very important in determining whether the state’s rebalancing exercises* are for practice or reality.

*Ahead of forecast, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and other major state agencies will present their rebalancing scenarios before their respective interim Ways and Means subcommittees – in the case of ODE, they will present to the Joint Interim Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education.

In the meantime, we will still reinforce that this is a time to plan, not panic. And if you need any support with budget planning and/or messaging, please do not hesitate to reach out for support.

Lead the Literacy Movement in Your District and School

Explore evidence-based strategies to support implementation, professional learning, and every student

Access tools and resources carefully curated for district

and school leaders:

• Proven science of reading frameworks

• Tools for sustainable implementation

• Support for multilingual and marginalized learners

• Professional learning that drives real change