As a general rule, CPPS endorses or opposes measures that impact children and families in public education. CPPS never endorses individual candidates, nor will we weigh in on other measures or issues outside our mission.

Here are our endorsements for the November ‘08 election (as decided by the CPPS board during a meeting on September 17th):

Measure #26-94: The Portland Children’s Levy SUPPORT.

In 2002 Portland voters made children a higher priority by creating the Portland Children’s Investment Fund. Since then the Children’s Investment Fund has delivered on its promises to kids and the community by investing in proven, cost-effective programs that have made a real difference in the lives of over 16,000 children per year.

Measure #56: Simple Majority SUPPORT.
Modifies the Double Majority requirement that requires both a majority “yes” vote and at least a 50% turn out of registered voters. Measure 56 would restore fairness to local elections in all May and November elections. The double majority requirement violates the basic principle of democracy, where if you don’t vote, you don’t count.

Measure #58: Limited English Learning OPPOSE.
Eliminates the current, local district-specified courses being taught to assist non English speaking students who are unable to benefit from classes taught in English only. Oregon PTA opposes M58 because it severely reduces local authority and ability to meet the unique needs of our students who must learn English while also learning academic skills. It is an unfunded mandate that will cost $253 million in the first two years, resulting in other education programs losing financial support.

Measure #59: Unlimited Deduction OPPOSE.
Creates an unlimited deduction for Federal Income Taxes on Individual Taxpayer’s Oregon Income-Tax Returns. Reduces state budget by $1.2 billion in 2009-2011. Measure 59 only benefits the wealthy. Tax experts say 75 percent of Oregon taxpayers would save less than $1 under this measure. Measure 59 could lead to higher fees and taxes, so we could all end up paying more in the long run.

Measure #60: Performance Pay For Teachers OPPOSE.
Ties teacher pay to performance but does NOT define what criteria would be used to determine performance. Removes local district’s authority to set standards for hiring and retaining teachers. Punishes teachers who choose to teach students who are struggling academically or who have learning disabilities. Adds to a focus on high stakes testing or over reliance on test results. A vague, unfunded measure filled with unintended consequences.

Measure #62: Diverting Lottery Funds OPPOSE.
Revises existing voter approved allocation of lottery revenue and amends the Oregon Constitution to allocate 15% of lottery to a Public Safety Fund and away from public schools. Takes nearly $200 million per biennium away from schools.

Note: Stand For Children (www.stand.org) and Oregon PTA—both partners of CPPS—have made the same endorsement decisions.