Oregon teachers rank high in pay compared to the rest of America. Yet when it comes to actual learning, Oregon ranks literally at the bottom or near it.

It’s time to close a bunch of schools, dontcha think?
https://t.co/O1uz75FuPb
I know that sounds shocking till you consider the context.
Government-run public schools have failed miserably, especially in Oregon.
The state funds schools very well. USA Facts has Oregon schools getting about 22-thousand dollars per student per year.
Oregon teachers rank high in pay compared to the rest of America.
Yet when it comes to actual learning, Oregon ranks literally at the bottom or near it.
Mississippi, spending about two-thirds as much money, ranks in the top ten.
It ain’t money… It’s leadership.
So, parents have abandoned the public schools and taken their kids elsewhere.
Yesterday, Portland Public Schools announced its plan to close up to 14 schools, and it can’t happen soon enough. Running empty buildings just to keep neighborhoods happy isn’t a winning strategy for kids.
But now, PPS says it will wait till almost Christmas to actually pull the trigger.
I would bet good money they opt for the “do nothing” option…which is included on its list.
And while they’re closing elementary and middle schools, no one has said whether the multi-billion-dollar program building massive new oversized high school building plan continues or not.

— Lars Larson (@LarsLarsonShow) October 6, 2026