Student academic assessment results are better than last school year yet remain well below pre-pandemic levels for English Language Arts and Mathematics. This is true locally and statewide. [For statewide assessment results see “Oregon School Testing” article on page 10.] While students struggle, spending continues to increase, with the Oregon Legislature approving a record $10.2 billion dollars for the Oregon …
From a tax perspective, non-profit organizations are “tax exempt” because they don’t pay federal or state corporate income taxes. They must make a “profit” through revenues from fees, donations and grants must exceed expenses, or else eventually the organization goes out of business. As tax-exempt organizations, they do not pay local property taxes, which support public safety, schools and the …
By Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capital Chronicle Editor’s note: This article comprises excerpts from an in-depth 3-part series published by the Oregon Capital Chronicle on the causes of the low reading proficiency of Oregon public school students. The 11,000-word series was researched over four months and included interviews with more than 80 teachers, parents, elected officials and college professors. Part 1: …
By Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capitol Chronicle Most Oregon students have not regained ground in key subjects following the COVID pandemic, but steep declines in English language arts, math and science proficiency that occurred during the pandemic are beginning to level off, according to the latest results from statewide assessment tests. Gov. Tina Kotek said in a news release that the …
By Brian Bouteller For 40 years, the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission has offered Christ, Community and Transformation to responsible homeless people in Grants Pass. Approximately one in three Mission residents “graduate” from the Mission by leaving with a sustainable income and a home. Yet finding affordable housing in Grants Pass is challenging for people of all walks of life. …
In September, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners selected Scott King and Caspian Heohne of Merit Commercial Real Estate to exclusively market The Flying Lark, now owned by the county. The 36,867 square foot facility sits on 3.6 acres and is listed at $14,900,000. The offering memorandum obtained from Merit Commercial Real Estate reveals additional details about The Flying Lark …
By Sen. Art Robinson HB 2002 is the worst bill I have ever seen. The most shocking sections are laws relating to and promoting “gender affirming care” for children. This is simply irreversible child mutilation hiding behind a fancy-sounding phrase. The original form of HB 2002 allowed this type of mutilation of children without their parents even being informed. The …
By Dwayne Yunker Sara Bristol would like the citizens of Grants Pass to believe she has no power. This is false. Sara Bristol’s mayoral term began in 2021, and it was very apparent she had aligned herself with nonprofits that make their money directly from the tragedy of homelessness. These include UCAN and AllCare, two nonprofits that receive millions of …
Two petition drives are now underway locally, with volunteers gathering signatures to revise the Josephine County Charter. This follows a year-long study effort by the Josephine County Charter Review Commission. The groups have two years to collect the necessary 3,437 verified signatures to qualify for a county-wide vote. Josephine County is one of nine “home rule” counties in Oregon. This …
It’s being claimed that “Mayor Bristol has no power to fix the problem of homeless people living in our parks.” Really? Her influence inside city government proves otherwise and is a power unto itself. Mayor Bristol was not a political neophyte when she became mayor. Her father is former Grants Pass Mayor Mike Murphy. He controversially appointed five city councilors …