Medford, Ore. — In a historic move, the Oregon Department of State Lands has allocated a record-breaking $76.8 million to the state’s 197 public school districts as part of the 2025 Common School Fund. This distribution, marking the largest amount in the fund’s history, is set to support schools across Oregon, providing a critical financial resource for districts grappling with rising costs.
The $76.8 million represents 3.5% of the total value of the Common School Fund, which is currently valued at $2.38 billion as of February 2025. The funds are distributed based on student enrollment, with calculations adhering to the methodology defined in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 327.410. The money is issued in two equal payments: one in February and the second in July of the year.
Southern Oregon Schools Receive Significant Funding
Among the districts benefiting from the 2025 distribution are several in Southern Oregon, which have received substantial amounts to support their educational programs. In Curry County, the largest allocation was received by the Brookings-Harbor School District 17C, which will receive $184,066. The Central Curry School District 1 will receive $57,779, and the Port Orford-Langlois School District 2CJ will receive $34,549.
In neighboring Josephine County, the Grants Pass School District 7 will receive $788,858, while the Three Rivers/Josephine County School District will receive $612,826.
Jackson County’s larger school districts will also benefit from significant portions of the funding. The Medford School District 549C is set to receive the highest amount in the region with $1,852,535. Other districts in Jackson County, such as Ashland School District 5 and Central Point School District 6, will receive $348,736 and $652,279, respectively.
Further south, Klamath County has been allocated $958,022 for its school district, with the Klamath Falls City Schools receiving $369,451. In Lake County, the Lake County School District 7 will receive $94,381.
A Lifeline for Schools Facing Financial Challenges
Governor Tina Kotek of Oregon expressed her gratitude for the Common School Fund, highlighting its importance in providing reliable financial support to schools across the state. She acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by many school districts, especially those dealing with the expiration of federal pandemic relief dollars, declining enrollment numbers, and the rising costs associated with inflation.
Kotek emphasized that the Common School Fund remains a critical tool in ensuring students in Oregon have the resources they need to succeed. “Across the country, school districts are facing budget shortages caused by the expiration of federal pandemic relief dollars, declining enrollment, increasing costs due to inflation, and many other factors,” said Kotek in a press release. “Oregon is fortunate to have a dependable and consistent source of funding to support our public schools.”
Statewide and Regional Distribution Averages
The average distribution across all public schools statewide is $389,607. However, the averages vary across the southern Oregon counties:
- Curry County: $92,131
- Josephine County: $700,842
- Jackson County: $434,947
- Klamath County: $663,737
- Lake County: $94,381
This funding, which totals $76,752,546, is critical for the continued operation and growth of schools in Oregon, providing a financial lifeline for many districts, especially those in rural and underserved areas.
As the second installment of the 2025 Common School Fund is set to be distributed in July, districts across the state will continue to rely on this essential resource to maintain and enhance the quality of education for students.
For a full breakdown of all school districts and their respective funding amounts, the Oregon Department of State Lands has published a detailed list available for public viewing.