Craig Hoppes
Astoria School District Superintendent Craig Hoppes informed the school board on November 8, 2023, that families in the district are facing a significant crisis. He warned that escalating family instability, persistent absenteeism, and an impending statewide budget shortfall could lead to midyear cuts affecting educational programs across Oregon. Hoppes’ remarks come at a time when schools are grappling with mounting challenges, including federal policy changes that may impact essential services for vulnerable students.
During his presentation, Hoppes highlighted the dedication of school staff, noting their commitment to engaging students during these trying times. “Staff have been really working hard in the classroom with kids and engaging them in learning at times when it can be difficult,” he stated. He also emphasized the district’s efforts to provide support beyond academics, as staff have been reaching out to families dealing with various hardships, including issues related to immigration and food insecurity due to federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Hoppes reported that although attendance has improved, some students continue to miss school. He stated, “We have kids not coming to school. It’s better — the attendance is better — but we’re still dealing with it every day.”
Distance Learning Options for Families
In light of recent immigration enforcement activities affecting perceptions of safety, the district is exploring limited distance learning options for families hesitant to send their children to school. Hoppes explained, “We have families who are scared and they don’t feel safe. They don’t feel safe sending their kids to school.” This approach aims to ensure that students do not fall behind academically while addressing safety concerns.
The proposed distance learning model would not be implemented district-wide but would focus on families facing immigration-related fears. The plan would offer access to technology and online resources similar to those used during the pandemic, including assignments posted through Google Classroom and opportunities for students to connect with educators.
Hoppes noted that the district would closely monitor attendance and activate distance learning only as necessary, saying, “We’ll just do it if we need to, and then see how long it goes based on how families and students feel.”
Safety concerns extend to transportation as well, with school bus drivers expressing anxiety about the current climate. Hoppes reassured them during the meeting, stating, “I went over some protocols with them. They’re nervous,” underscoring that student safety remains a top priority.
Impending Budget Cuts Threaten Educational Programs
Hoppes shifted focus to a prepared statement regarding what he termed a “major state budget crisis” threatening Oregon’s K-12 education system. He attributed this to federal legislation, known as H.R.1 or the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” and a disappointing state revenue forecast released in August. These factors have prompted the Oregon Legislature to consider cuts that could severely impact core educational programs, particularly those supporting vulnerable students.
“These state cuts come as our students are simultaneously losing access to federal social safety net programs including SNAP food benefits and health care services,” Hoppes explained. He emphasized the increased reliance on public schools to meet students’ health and nutrition needs amid these changes.
As of October 1, state agencies were instructed to prepare for potential reductions of 2.5% to 5%. Preliminary cuts announced this week include impacts to the district’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program and associated grants, although the Astoria literacy grant remains unaffected for the time being. Hoppes clarified that the potential cuts originate from the state Department of Education, not the district itself.
In a positive development, he mentioned that the statewide revenue forecast released on November 8 was better than anticipated, though he cautioned that the full implications of this information remain uncertain.
Kjer Kizer, executive director of Oregon FFA, expressed concern about the adverse effects of midyear state cuts, particularly for students in rural and low-income communities. He noted that the Grants-In-Aid funding under HB 2444, which supports FFA programs, plays a vital role in removing financial barriers for students participating in agricultural education.
“These dollars … remove financial barriers so students can participate in FFA when they enroll in an agriculture class,” Kizer stated. The program has seen significant growth, with membership increasing from approximately 6,800 to over 15,000 students, including a notable rise in participation from historically underrepresented groups.
Kizer warned that cuts could disproportionately affect students from rural and low-income backgrounds. “When state funding goes away, participation quickly becomes who can afford the bus, the hotel room, or the entry fee,” he said, highlighting the risks faced by first-generation students and low-income families.
As advocacy efforts unfold, Kizer urged local chapters and districts to engage with legislators directly, emphasizing the need to illustrate the real impact of funding decisions on communities. “Teachers, administrators, and students are inviting legislators to visit their classrooms, attend FFA events, and see students’ projects firsthand,” he noted.
Call for Legislative Action
To mitigate the risk of sudden budget cuts, Hoppes called on state leaders to utilize Oregon’s Education Stability Fund, which is projected to hold over $1.2 billion for the 2025-27 biennium. He stated, “We need to urge the governor and the legislature to access these funds, just as they did during COVID,” highlighting that more than $400 million was allocated to support school budgets during the pandemic. Without access to this reserve, districts may face staff reductions or other significant impacts.
To further advocate for K-12 funding, the district plans to collaborate closely with the Oregon School Board Association, employee groups, and local lawmakers. Hoppes announced plans for local lawmakers to visit the district before the legislative session begins in early February 2026. He expects these visits to occur in December or early January, stating that the events will be “kid-run and kid-generated,” allowing legislators to see firsthand the programs at risk of cuts.
Hoppes emphasized the urgency of the situation, explaining that he chose to present these issues publicly to inform the board and the community about potential cuts. “Cuts like these impact real kids and real programs,” he said. “We need to be ready.”
The next school board meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Captain Robert Gray School, located at 785 Alameda Ave., in Astoria.
