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On September 29, 2025, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed into law a sweeping education reform bill aimed at increasing equity and access for all students in the state. The new legislation, titled the "Equity in Education Act," includes provisions that address issues such as school funding, teacher diversity, and support for underserved student populations.One of the key components of the Equity in Education Act is a revised school funding formula that aims to provide more resources to schools with high numbers of low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities. This new system, known as the Student Success Formula, will allocate funding based on student needs rather than property taxes, which has historically led to disparities in funding between affluent and low-income school districts.In addition to changes in school funding, the Equity in Education Act also includes measures to increase teacher diversity and support. The legislation mandates that all school districts develop recruitment and retention plans to ensure that their teaching staff reflects the diversity of the student population. This includes efforts to recruit and retain teachers of color, as well as provide professional development and support for teachers working with diverse student populations.Furthermore, the Equity in Education Act includes provisions to support underserved student populations, such as homeless students, foster youth, and students in the juvenile justice system. The legislation mandates that schools provide targeted resources and support services to these students, including access to mental health services, academic support, and assistance with college and career planning.Governor Kate Brown praised the passage of the Equity in Education Act as a critical step towards creating a more equitable and just education system in Oregon. "Every child in Oregon deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances," Governor Brown stated. "By addressing issues of funding equity, teacher diversity, and support for underserved student populations, we are taking a significant step towards achieving that goal."Overall, the Equity in Education Act represents a significant milestone in Oregon's efforts to improve education for all students. By addressing issues of equity and access, the new legislation aims to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for children across the state.