Oregon’s Measure 99 Seeks Outdoor School for All

When voters in Oregon head to their local precinct on Election Day, they’ll be voting on more than who they want to be their next president. They’ll also be deciding whether or not they want to allot state funding to allow for all students to experience a week of outdoor schooling.

If approved, the Beaver State would become the first in the union to dedicate funding for outdoor education. According to an article in the Mail Tribune out of Medford, Oregon, homeschool students would be eligible to attend the state-funded programs that include lessons on plants, animals, natural resources, and conservation.

“This is not a mandate,” said Rex Burkholder, chairman of the Measure 99 campaign committee. “It’s an offer, and we wanted to make sure it was a real one, which means providing sufficient funding to cover the cost of a good, high-quality program.”

Polls indicate that the measure is likely to pass, but opponents think the measure will use far too much lottery money they feel should be focused on expanding businesses in Oregon. In addition, “at least one outspoken state lawmaker worries Measure 99 would impose liberal Portland’s values on children in rural Oregon where farming, mining, logging, and fishing are a way of life.”

Whether it passes or not, the measure is a good reminder of the importance of extending school beyond the four walls of a classroom or homeschool room.

“It’s definitely better out here,” said 11-year-old Maya Herring. “You can actually feel the nature. It’s not just saying, ‘This is what this fern looks like.’ You can actually feel the fern for yourself.”

Article Update
Measure 99 was approved on Tuesday, November 8, receiving 66 percent of voter support.