We help the broader community engage in state and local policy and funding decisions that impact our school.  Our priority is equitable school funding for all schools in the Portland Public School District. The BCU developed an advocacy framework to help guide our decision making in policy and funding decisions.  Check out how we came to positions about the following topics:

• Fifth grade classroom combination (Spring 2024)
• Portland Levy Vote (Spring 2024)
• Teacher Contract Negotiations (Fall 2023)

Opportunities to Engage

• PPS Board of Education - Provide written or in person public comment at a Board meeting. 
• State Legislators - Share opinions and concerns with your state representatives.  Tell them sustainable and equitable state education funding should be a top priority for the 2025 legislative session.
• Community and Parents for Public Schools is the Portland chapter of Parents for Public Schools,a nationwide network of grassroots organizations focused on increasing parent, family and community involvement in public education
• Oregon PTA
• Portland Council PTA

Resources

Here are some favorite resources for learning more about public education. 

• Reform PPS Funding
• Oregon Portland Teacher’s Association
• Episode 1 - The Legislature: Senator Michael Dembrow, Chair of the Senate Education Committee  Passcode:dPn?dm$0
• Episode 2 - The Commission John Rexford, Chair of the Quality Education Commission Passcode:8M78NC0&
• Nice White Parents podcast looks at the 60-year relationship between white parents and the public school down the block.

Current chairs 

Kate Lefco and Christy Hudson, advocacy co-leads

Email us at bcuadvocacy@gmail.com