Tag Archive for 'education'

Audit Recommends Greater Accountability at Oregon University System

Published on April 10, 2013 in Audits, Press Releases and Secretary Brown. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Tuition, student debt and faculty workload all need better tracking

Secretary of State Kate Brown today released a performance audit that recommends significant changes to increase accountability in the Oregon University System and its seven universities.

Oregon leaders agree that a college education is a key to the state’s future and are working to strengthen the Oregon University System. The audit report found several areas that can help accomplish the shared goal of a university system that meets the needs of Oregon students.

“We need to know how much it costs to educate an Oregon university student,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “We need greater accountability. Improving our higher education system is critical to Oregon’s economic growth.”

This performance audit is available online.

Listen to an audio statement by Secretary Brown. (Right-click and choose “Save link as” to download audio.)

The audit highlights several areas to address, including:

Governance. Oregon’s current structure risks creating confusion and a lack of accountability. Governance and authority over higher education needs to be clarified.

Tuition and Fees. Residential tuition and fees increased faster than inflation and increased more than the loss of state funding between 2001 and 2012. Despite increased tuition rates and higher spending by universities, educational spending per student has declined. OUS’s current financial tracking and reporting makes it difficult to understand how many resources are devoted to educational activities. Better tracking of education spending is needed.

Student Debt. Student debt for OUS graduates was on average 9% higher than the national average for the classes of 2005 to 2010. In addition, the heaviest cost burden falls on those with the lowest incomes. However, OUS does not report on the 35% of students who fail to graduate with a bachelor’s degree within six years or started at another institution. OUS should determine and track the unmet need and debt for all students and align programs to provide access and reduce student debt for those most in need.

Research Costs. Tenured and tenure-track faculty at OSU, PSU, and UO are expected to conduct research and non-sponsored costs are absorbed within the department budget. Universities do not track the amount of time that faculty spend on research, teaching, advising, or other duties. OUS and its research universities should account for all research related costs.

Financial Accountability. Oregon universities have taken some steps to control costs but the efforts and results are varied. Budget reports and analyses are not presented to decision-makers in a way that aids evaluation and financial management. OUS universities need to track, report, and evaluate costs across all levels of higher education in order to prioritize spending and improve financial decision making.

Personnel Costs. Personnel costs (salary and benefits) are OUS’s largest expenditure. The Chancellor’s Office cannot analyze actual personnel cost trends in detail without working closely with individual universities. OUS cannot control most of the costs related to health and retirement, which are driven by PERS and the state. However, OUS can control personnel costs in terms of the number and type of employees as well as their job functions. OUS and its universities should closely monitor and routinely report on all personnel costs.

Costs and Enrollment. OUS universities are relying on increased enrollment to help balance their budgets, especially from non-resident students. However, OUS universities do not know the full cost of increasing enrollment. OUS universities calculate the average cost to educate a student; however, they do not include costs associated with increased capacity, such as debt service or capital construction. In addition, admittance of non-resident students has increased while admittance of resident students has slowed and in some cases decreased. OUS and its universities should create a comprehensive enrollment and financial management strategy.

Graduation Rate. Oregon universities admit applicants that are less prepared for college and less likely to graduate. Performance metrics do not represent the entire student body. For those it tracks, OUS has steadily improved the number of degrees granted each year. Apart from the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, the 6-year OUS graduation rate is below the national average for similar institutions. Oregon is less likely to achieve its 40-40-20 educational goal if OUS universities do not increase graduation rates. OUS needs to better assess the effectiveness of student assistance programs and report performance metrics for all students.

Media Contact:

Tony Green   (503) 507-0082   |   tony.green@state.or.us

Audit Finds Opportunities to Increase Adult GEDs

Published on February 6, 2013 in Audits, Press Releases, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Press Release
February 6, 2013

SALEM – An audit released today recommends opportunities to increase the number of adults who earn General Education Development (GED) credentials to help achieve the state’s goal of ensuring that all adult Oregonians earn at least a high school diploma or equivalent by 2025.

“The GED certification provides adults the chance to be more competitive in Oregon’s changing workforce and to continue on to higher education,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “It is critical that we do all that we can to assist Oregonians in obtaining the education they need to thrive in today’s economy.”

Making Oregon more competitive in an increasingly service- and information-based economy led business leaders and policymakers to institute a statewide educational goal that emphasizes preparing students to succeed in post-secondary education. In 2011, the Oregon Legislative Assembly set the following goals to be achieved by 2025:

  • At least 40% of adult Oregonians have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • At least 40% of adult Oregonians have earned an associate’s degree or post-secondary credential as their highest level of educational attainment.
  • The remaining 20% of all adult Oregonians have earned a high school diploma, an extended or modified high school diploma, or the equivalent of a high school diploma as their highest level of education attainment.

Census numbers show that Oregonians without a high school diploma or equivalent have an unemployment rate of 15.6%, well more than double the 6.3% rate of Oregonians with a bachelor’s degree or greater. Auditors found that current strategies aimed at implementing Oregon’s 40-40-20 education goal do not sufficiently address the needs of the nearly 340,000 adult Oregonians who are currently without a high school diploma or equivalent. High schools do not routinely share with Oregon’s 17 community colleges or other organizations any information about students who recently dropped out. With this information, community colleges could attempt to contact former students about GED preparatory programs and the exam. Instead, many community colleges largely rely on traditional marketing and outreach efforts such as distributing flyers or including GED class information in course catalogs and college websites. There also is little statewide marketing effort to publicize the value of adults obtaining a GED credential.

Additional marketing and outreach practices could increase public awareness about the value of a GED.

In addition, better collaboration with other agencies and organizations can help ensure clients needing a GED credential are referred to local programs. Auditors also noted that funding to community colleges for GED preparation has been curtailed in recent years.

“We see the valuable role that community colleges play in helping adults obtain a GED,” said Gary Blackmer, the Oregon Audits Division Director. “We also found a number of strategies that could address this gap in our education system.”

The report can be found at www.sos.state.or.us/audits.

The audit team included William Garber, CGFM, MPA, Deputy Director; Sheronne Blasi, MPA, Audit Manager; and Nicole Pexton, MPP, Staff Auditor.

The Audits Division of the Oregon Secretary of State’s office promotes the wise use of tax dollars, sound management and government accountability.

For more information, contact

Tony Green, Director of Communications
Oregon Secretary of State
503-507-0082
tony.green@state.or.us

Workshops on Digital Preservation to be offered by State Archives

Published on September 19, 2012 in Archives, Headlines, Press Releases and Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

The third in a series of workshops on basic digital preservation is scheduled for Wednesday September 26th from 9 A.M. to noon at the State Archives, 800 Summer Street NE, in Salem.

This third workshop, Protect/Manage/Provide, covers the basics of protecting, managing and providing access to digital content selected for long term preservation. The Protect portion of the workshop will provide instruction on steps that attendees can take to protect their digital content from problems such as corruption, obsolescence, inappropriate access and disasters.

The Manage part of this workshop will address the provisions needed for the long-term management of digital content that participants or their organizations have selected to preserve. We will discuss some basic risk management techniques like creating a written preservation policy and assessing what resources are needed to manage the digital content selected for preservation.

The final section of this workshop, Provide, will give instruction to attendees on how digital content should be made available over time given individual and organizational policies, technology and the needs of the end users.

Austin Schulz of the State Archives staff will lead this workshop. Austin attended the Digital Preservation Outreach and Education training at the Library of Congress as part of a national effort to encourage individuals and organizations to actively preserve their digital content. The training he provides consists of six modules geared toward individuals seeking a basic introduction to digital content preservation and is open to the public. Although the workshops are free, pre-registration is required.

To register simply e-mail the Archives at: reference.archives@state.or.us and put “Digital Preservation Workshop” in the subject line. If you have any questions or would like to register by phone, please contact Austin Schulz at (503) 378-5161.

Audit Finds State Needs To Better Match Job Training with Workforce Demand

Published on June 13, 2012 in Audits, Headlines, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

SALEM – A Secretary of State audit finds that training for middle-skill workers is projected to fall short of employer needs for several occupations over the next 10 years. These middle-skill jobs, such as bookkeepers, truck drivers, and computer support specialists, are important to Oregon’s economy. Middle-skill jobs require some education and training beyond high school but less than a bachelor’s degree. Supply for these occupations is primarily from Oregon’s community colleges, private career colleges, and from state apprenticeship programs.

Comparing graduation rates to job forecasts by the Employment Department, auditors estimate that the colleges need to increase the Chart of occupations projected to have largest workforce gapssupply of bookkeepers by 656 each year for the next ten years to serve employer needs.

“Increasing the number of middle-skilled workers in Oregon is an important element of job creation and expanding business in Oregon,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “Some Oregon employers have noted that in spite of high unemployment, it is still hard to find workers with the right skills.”

In contrast, auditors also found some occupations where there is a projected annual oversupply of trained middle-skill workers, including insurance sales agents and health care support workers, such as massage therapists and medical equipment preparers.

“We need a strategic, coordinated, statewide plan that identifies high demand jobs or industries with projected under-supply and train accordingly,” said Secretary Brown. “Having an adequate supply of skilled workers is central to a strong economy.”

Auditors recommend that the state’s workforce development efforts identify high-demand occupational clusters, and apply strategies to address any gaps in training. In addition, auditors recommend that the state consider aligning state funding to account for the higher cost of some career and technical education programs at the community colleges.

The audit report including the agency response can be found at www.sos.state.or.us/audits.

For more information, please contact

Andrea Cantu-Schomus
Communications Director
Oregon Secretary of State
503-986-2368
503-507-0082

Secretary of State Kate Brown releases audit recommendations for jobs and business expansion at Vigor Industrial in Portland

Published on June 12, 2012 in Audits and Secretary Brown. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

PRESS ADVISORY
June 11, 2012

Media Contact:
Andrea Cantu-Schomus, 503-986-2368

(Salem, OR) – On Wednesday, June 13, Secretary of State Kate Brown will release an audit of Oregon’s Workforce Development. Auditors found Oregon could be doing a better job of matching middle-skilled training programs at Oregon’s Community Colleges and the many other workforce development programs with current and projected job demand.

“We need a more strategic, coordinated, statewide plan that identifies high demand jobs or industries with a projected under-supply and offer training to get these Oregonians to work,” said Secretary Brown. “We need more partnerships like Vigor Industrial and Portland Community College where men and women in search of a career can get the training they need to get hired right out of school.”

Secretary Brown will tour Vigor Industrial’s Swan Island Training Facility with PCC President, Dr. Preston Pulliams and representatives from Vigor Industrial. On the grounds of the Portland shipyard, this joint venture provides welding training opportunities that support workforce development for Vigor Industrial and other area companies.

Vigor Industrial/PCC Swan Island Training Facility
10:00 AM
5555 N. Channel Ave
Portland, Oregon 97217

The entrance to the training center is off Lagoon Avenue.

Audit finds school districts missed out on $40 million in anticipated energy savings

Published on May 17, 2012 in Audits and Press Releases. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Press Release
May 22, 2012

Salem – The audit found that school districts could have realized additional energy and utility cost savings by using energy surcharge funds more cost-effectively. Auditors also found that state law does not establish clear oversight of the funds and the funds are not allocated to districts in a way that prioritizes energy savings.

Auditors analyzed 6,859 measures identified in school energy audits from 2002 to 2010 and found that school districts did not consistently implement the most cost-effective measures or realize the greatest energy savings. The audit estimates that, had districts implemented the most cost effective measures, they potentially could have achieved about $40 million more in anticipated utility bill savings and 70% more energy savings over the collective lives of the measures. The $40 million is spread across 111 districts over several years and projected into the future.

“I recognize the funding challenges facing districts, and that a school district might choose to replace a boiler so students weren’t faced with cold classrooms, even if that wasn’t the most energy efficient option,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “This audit is an excellent learning tool districts can use to ensure the best value for the future of these funds. At the end of the day, lower utility bills would mean more money available for the classroom.”

In interviews with school district business officials and building directors, auditors learned that districts include other factors beyond energy savings or cost-effectiveness when deciding how to utilize energy surcharge funds. Auditors also found that statutes do not clearly indicate that districts should consider cost-effectiveness when implementing measures and do not grant oversight authority to the Oregon Department of Energy or any other entity to ensure that measures school districts implement are cost-effective.

The report, including the agency response, can be found at www.sos.state.or.us/audits.

For more information, please contact

Andrea Cantu-Schomus
Communications Director
Oregon Secretary of State
503-986-2368
503-507-0082

Welcome Stephen Thorsett, new president of Willamette U!

Published on February 10, 2012 in Headlines, Secretary Brown, Social Media and Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .
Secretary Brown welcomes Stephen Thorsett, new president of Willamette University

Kate Brown, Bud Lane, Stephen Thorsett

It was an honor to be among the many distinguished guests to welcome Stephen Thorsett as the newest president of Willamette University. Thorsett grew up in Salem as the son of a biology professor at Willamette. The campus was his playground as a child. While higher education and his career took him away from Oregon we are proud to welcome him back. I can certainly understand why he chose to move his family to our great state. Thorsett comes to us from the University of California Santa Cruz where he was the dean of physical and biological sciences. He left the beach and all that sun behind to lead one of Oregon’s most prestigious instituitions of higher education.

During my time in the legislature and as Secretary of State, I have had the pleasure of working with countless Willamette graduates. You can see the campus from most windows of the capitol and there is surely a special relationship. I am confident Mr. Thorsett will carry on the excellence Willamette is known for. As a professor of astronomy and astrophysics, Mr. Thorsett can help students reach for the stars.

Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown unveils online Civics Toolkit

Published on January 9, 2012 in Elections, HAVA, Press Releases, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Press Release

SALEM – Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown recently unveiled a new online Civics Tool Kit. The civic education curriculum was developed through a collaboration of efforts by local professors, teachers and Oregon elections staff. The goal is to provide a beginners guide to civics with an Oregon centric view that anyone can access and use.

Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown Tells McNary High School Students About New Civics Toolkit

Secretary Brown talks civics with McNary High School students

According to the most recent national civics examination, fewer than half of American eighth graders know the purpose of the Bill of Rights. In addition, only one in 10 demonstrated acceptable knowledge of the checks and balances among the legislative, executive and judicial branches.

“Democracies can only be sustained by citizens who have the basic knowledge, skills and dispositions – I think our online Civic Toolkit can help,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “As your Secretary of State and Oregon’s chief elections officer, it is my duty to engage Oregonians in the political process.”

The toolkit is made up of 10 lessons that cover everything from your rights and responsibilities as a good citizen, the history of voting in Oregon and what you need to know before you register to vote in our great state.

You can find the online Civics Toolkit by logging onto Oregon’s Secretary of State website (Elections Division), clicking on Voter Resources then Civics Toolkit or go directly to: http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/pages/voterresources/civics-toolkit/index.html.

Secretary Brown unveils Civics Toolkit at local high schools

Published on January 6, 2012 in Elections, HAVA, Headlines, Press Releases, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .
Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown Talks Civics at West Salem High School

Secretary Brown rolls out the new online Civics Toolkit

After more than two weeks off for the holidays, students welcomed Secretary Brown to their Government classes to talk civics. The secretary unveiled the online Civics Toolkit developed by her staff, local teachers and professors. Students got a first look at the 10 online lessons which cover everything from how to be a good citizen to how to register to vote. Secretary Brown encouraged students to get involved in the political process and reminded the teens that here in Oregon you can register to vote when you are 17 years old.

Reflecting on the day, Brown observed: “These students were sharp. Many had a great knowledge of Oregon and its government. We hope they find the Civics Toolkit online, learn it and share it. Special thanks to teachers Jason Whiteley and Doug Parker for opening up their classroom. These guys do an excellent job!”

You don’t need to be a teacher or student to take advantage of it. The Civics Toolkit is on the Secretary of State website at http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/pages/voterresources/civics-toolkit/index.html. Everyone is welcome to download these free resources and bone up on elections civics.

Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown Tells McNary High School Students About New Civics Toolkit

Secretary Brown visits McNary High School to talk civics

Secretary Brown explains how her office is putting Oregonians back to work

Published on November 19, 2011 in Audits and Secretary Brown. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , .
Secretary of State Kate Brown

Secretary Brown addressing the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce

Secretary of State Kate Brown traveled down to the beautiful Rogue Valley to address the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce on Monday, November 14, 2011. Secretary Brown spoke during the lunch hour about why she is optimistic for Oregon’s future. She also Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brownexplained the small but important ways her office is putting Oregonians back to work. By streamlining bureaucracy, auditing community colleges for future labor market needs, and creative private-public partnerships Secretary Brown is contributing to the growth of Oregon’s economy.