Oregon’s Schools to Receive Record $76.8 Million from Common School Fund

Salem, Oregon- Oregon’s K-12 public schools will receive a record $76.8 million from the Common School Fund in 2025, state officials announced today. This historic distribution marks a $2.6 million increase from 2024 and a $4.6 million rise from 2023.

“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 Governor Tina Kotek. “Here in Oregon, we are lucky to have the Common School Fund – a critical and reliable resource in our shared goal to give students the best shot to succeed.”

Every one of Oregon’s 197 school districts will receive funding from the Common School Fund, which has supported public education since statehood. Distribution amounts are based on the number of students served. Portland Public Schools, the state’s largest district, will receive $6.6 million in 2025. Redmond School District will receive $974,288, and Coos Bay School District will receive $382,092. The average district distribution in 2025 will be $389,607. Bethel School District in Eugene, with about 5,000 students, will receive $806,193.

“The Common School Fund is consistent and can be used for anything, from keeping the lights on to providing instruction,” said Benjamin Dodds, a teacher at Bethel School District’s Willamette High School. “That’s what makes it such a helpful funding source for schools across Oregon.”

The Common School Fund’s origins date to Oregon’s statehood, when the federal government granted nearly 3.4 million acres “for the use of schools.” The State Land Board – composed of the Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer – was established to oversee these school lands and ensure they generate revenue for public education.

The Fund, valued at $2.38 billion as of February 2025, is managed by the Oregon State Treasury with oversight from the Oregon Investment Council. It achieved a 9.7 percent return in 2024. Each year, 3.5 percent of the Fund’s value is distributed to schools.

“Schools are the foundation of healthy families and communities,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. “We’re committed to safeguarding the Common School Fund and ensuring that our responsible investment strategies continue to generate returns that put more educators, counselors and other staff in front of students across Oregon.”

Today, about 681,000 acres of school lands in all 36 Oregon counties are managed by the Department of State Lands on behalf of the State Land Board. Ranchers and farmers, Tribal governments, businesses, and other partners work with the department to lease and buy lands, plan for future community needs, and maintain the health of these properties. School lands generated $7.2 million in revenue during fiscal year 2024.

“This is a historic investment and a smart one,” said Secretary of State Tobias Read. “Oregonians value education because we know our tomorrow depends on the students and teachers in classrooms today. We must continue to manage these lands wisely so Oregonians can keep benefitting from this valuable resource for generations to come.”

Here is the breakdown of what local school districts should expect:

Ashland SD- $348,736

Butte Falls SD- $20,998

Central Point SD- $652,271

Eagle Point SD- $571,654

Grants Pass SD- $788,858

Klamath City SD- $369,451

Medford SD- $1,852,535

Phoenix-Talent SD- $308,778

Rogue River SD- $127,856

As of 2024, Oregon ranks 37th nationally for public funding per student. According to National Association of Education Progress. Oregon students rank 42nd in the country in overall educational proficiency.