Portland Approves Funding for Arts Education, Access
Submitted by Steve on November 16, 2012
In the election on November 6th, 2012, Portland, Oregon residents approved ballot measure #26-146 with 62% voting to approve. The success of the measure means a new income tax of $35 per income-earning resident will generate an estimated $12.5 million every year, starting in 2013 to be dispersed to Portland schools and to the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) to fund the arts and music and art education.
Approximately $6.8 million will pay for 68.5 certified arts education teachers in Portland’s school districts (Centennial, David Douglas, Parkrose, Portland Public, Reynolds, and Riverdale). Districts receiving these funds are required to maintain weekly arts instruction in grades K-5.