Salem, Oregon – State officials said in a statement that the Common School Fund will provide K–12 public schools an unprecedented $76.8 million in 2025, thus transforming the educational scene in Oregon. This historic allocation highlights Oregon’s dedication to support education in a period when many school systems all across the country struggle with financial constraints from various fronts.
Governor Tina Kotek underlined the difficulties educational systems face including decreased enrollment, budget cuts brought on by the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds, and inflation-driven growing costs.
“Here in Oregon, we are lucky to have the Common School Fund – a critical and reliable resource in our shared goal to give students the best shot to succeed,” said Kotek.
Benefiting all 197 school districts, the Common School Fund is core of Oregon’s educational financing since the state’s founding. Every district’s received amount directly corresponds to its student count. Portland Public Schools, the biggest district in the state, for instance, will get $6.6 million in 2025; smaller districts like Redmond and Coos Bay will get $974,288 and $382,092, respectively.
Serving almost 5,000 kids, Bethel School District in Eugene will get $806,193 from the fund. Teacher Benjamin Dodds of Bethel’s Willamette High School stressed the fund’s adaptability, pointing out that it may be used for everything from running expenses to instructional support.
“That’s what makes it such a helpful funding source for schools across Oregon,” he stated.
Nearly 3.4 million acres of school land, awarded to the state by the federal government upon Oregon’s admission to the Union, provide the financing for this project. Under management by the State Land Board, which includes Governor Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steer, these sites continue to support education through the use of their income-generating activities.
Under management by the Oregon State Treasury under the Oregon Investment Council, the fund itself—valued at $2.38 billion as of February 2025—achieved a 9.7 percent return in 2024.
Secretary of State Tobias Read expressed pride in this historic investment. “Oregonians value education because we know our tomorrow depends on the students and teachers in classrooms today,” he remarked, adding that wise management of these lands is essential for continued benefits to future generations.
State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner also reiterated the state’s dedication to maintaining robust returns on investments within the fund, highlighting the impact on the educational workforce.
“We’re committed to safeguarding the Common School Fund and ensuring that our responsible investment strategies continue to generate returns that put more educators, counselors and other staff in front of students across Oregon,” she stated.
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The distribution for 2025 marks a $2.4 million increase over the previous year, reflecting the state’s proactive efforts to support its educational system. As Oregon continues to navigate through financial complexities impacting education, the Common School Fund serves as a beacon of stability and hope, promising to empower educators and enrich the learning experiences of students across the state.
