On May 14, UO President Michael Gottfredson and Connected Lane County partners presented at a meeting of the Oregon Education Investment Board (OEIB) at the invitation of Oregon Chief Education Officer Rudy Crew. Lane Education Service District Superintendent Larry Sullivan, Bethel School District Superintendent Colt Gill, Springfield Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Matt Coleman, United Way of Lane County’s Holly Mar Conte, and UO Center for Educational Policy Research Co-Director Terri Ward joined President Gottfredson to present a proposal to implement a regional achievement compact.

Originally envisioned by OEIB member and Lane Community College President Mary Spilde, Connected Lane County is a coalition of education leaders in Lane County working to increase the number of local high school graduates who are successful in higher education and life. Leaders from the UO, Lane Community College; the Eugene, Springfield, Bethel and rural school districts; the Lane Education Service District; and early childhood education programs are actively engaged in Connected Lane County. Three years ago the group, formerly known as the Educational Partnership, was formed with the purpose of sharing information, increasing cooperation, and supporting Lane County students in their education transitions. The partnership has grown in size and scope to involve early childhood education and social service partners. The effort is now supported by a coordinating committee, a committee focusing on shared data and metrics, and subcommittees focusing on support of student transitions.

This is Connected Lane County’s second presentation to the OEIB.