Legislature approves Kitzhaber education measure



SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon legislators have approved Gov. John Kitzhaber's request to require that school districts sign achievement compacts with the state.

The Legislature's approval late Monday sends the measure to the governor. It is an extension of Kitzhaber's plan approved last year to create a powerful oversight board with authority to recommend education policy and funding for all programs related to education, from pre-school to college.

School districts, community colleges and universities will be expected to sign a nonbinding compact with the state stipulating outcomes they're supposed to achieve. The measure also approves a job description for a new state position called the chief education officer, who will be responsible for overseeing the entire education system.

Proponents say the measure will improve education. Opponents say the measure does nothing to help schools struggling with tight budgets.