Oregon Constitution "ARTICLE VIII EDUCATION AND SCHOOL LANDS"
Oregon Constitution – Article VIII: Education and School Lands
Article VIII of the Oregon Constitution establishes the framework for public education and the management of school lands and funds in the state. Here's a breakdown of its key themes and sections:
🔹 Section 1: Superintendent of Public Instruction (Repealed)
Originally created the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Repealed in 2011; duties were transferred to other agencies or positions like the Oregon Department of Education.
🔹 Section 2: Public School System
Mandates the Legislative Assembly to provide for a uniform and general system of common (public) schools.
This establishes the constitutional foundation for Oregon's public K–12 school system.
🔹 Section 2a: Obligation to Fund Education
Added in 2000.
Requires the state to fund education sufficiently to meet quality goals as established by law.
If the Legislature does not meet the funding goal, it must publish a report explaining why.
🔹 Section 3: Land Grants and School Fund
Declares that lands granted by the federal government to the state for education purposes must be used only for public school support.
These include lands and funds known as the Common School Fund.
🔹 Section 4: Management of School Funds and Lands
Requires the preservation of the principal of school funds.
Revenue derived (e.g., from land sales or leases) must be used exclusively for public schools.
Also mandates responsible investment and management of these resources.
🔹 Section 5: Use of School Funds
Emphasizes that interest or income from the Common School Fund can only be used for public schools.
Ensures no diversion of funds for other state purposes.
🔹 Section 6: Location of State University
Fixes the University of Oregon at Eugene.
Reflects historical decisions about the location of higher education institutions.
🔹 Section 7: Prohibition on Religious Instruction
No public school may require or pay for religious instruction.
Reinforces the separation of church and state in public education.
🔹 Section 8: Higher Education Institutions
Allows the state to maintain and regulate colleges, universities, and other institutions of learning.
These can be separate from the K–12 system.
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