As a parent of two elementary-aged children in Springfield Public Schools, I am deeply disappointed by the district’s response to the Oregon Department of Education’s ruling that the district is out of compliance with state standards for science and social studies. 

I am just one of many community members who have attended board meetings, signed up for public comment, circulated petitions and advocated for teachers and students because it has long been obvious that our children are not receiving the education they need and deserve. 

When I saw “science curriculum” on the agendas for the April 13 and May 11 school board meetings, I was hopeful that district leadership was finally prepared to address these concerns directly. Instead, administrators focused on defending the district’s actions and emphasizing work that was supposedly happening behind the scenes over the past two years. They did not acknowledge that the curricular committees formed during that time dissolved within months, nor did they meaningfully address the concerns repeatedly raised by parents, teachers and community members.

What many families and educators have been saying for years has now been affirmed by Department of Education’s ruling. Yet district leadership continues to minimize the problem rather than take accountability for it. Acting Superintendent Jodi O’Mara stated that the district has addressed concerns through “corrective action” and remains committed to “transparency, continuous improvement, and strong educational opportunities for all students.” These are admirable goals, but many families no longer see those values reflected in the district’s actions.

Because of inadequate leadership and a failure to listen to educators and families, Springfield has lost talented and passionate teachers, and kids like my own will enter middle school without the strong foundation in science and social studies they need. Our students cannot afford more defensiveness or delay. They deserve honesty, accountability and meaningful action.

Ingrid Nordstrom
Springfield