Oregon's educational landscape is shifting, and this program will highlight the unique role Foundations for a Better Oregon plays in bringing communities, policymakers and partners together to strengthen systems for children. We will explore the intent and impact of the Student Success Act, review Oregon's and Salem-Keizer's early literacy performance, and consider how our state compares nationally, including where significant equity gaps persist. The program will also outline reasons for optimism as new investments, research-based practices, and community partnerships begin to take hold. Salem-Keizer Public Schools will then focus on how the district is responding to its reading and math scores-especially at the elementary level-through targeted supports, instructional shifts, and renewed attention to student belonging and engagement.
Whitney Grubbs
Executive Director, Foundations for a Better Oregon
Whitney brings more than twenty years of public-policy leadership across
Oregon's government, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. With a BA and JD (both with honors) from the University of Montana and service in the Governor's Office and the Oregon Education Investment Board, she will frame Oregon's education landscape through the Student Success Act, early literacy performance, national comparisons, equity gaps, and reasons for optimism.
Olga Cobb
Deputy Superintendent for Elementary Schools
Salem-Keizer School District
Olga has served Salem-Keizer Public Schools for more than two decades, beginning as a bilingual instructional assistant and rising through roles as principal, director and district leader. Born in Columbia and holding degrees from Universidad del Valle and Portland State University, she will share how the district is responding to reading and math scores through targeted supports and equity-centered instructional strategies.
Event Details:
Doors open at 11:30
Program starts at 12:00
