HB 4011
Expands the requirement to discuss class size and caseload as mandatory subjects of bargaining for purposes of school district collective bargaining.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2026 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of House Interim Committee on Labor and Workforce Development for Oregon Education Association)
Committee
Labor and Workforce Development
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
63%
Oppose
37%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Oregon law to strengthen the bargaining rights of public school districts. Specifically, it requires that class size and caseload be included as mandatory subjects of discussion during collective bargaining negotiations. This change aims to give teachers and other school employees a greater voice in addressing issues directly impacting the quality of education and working conditions within Oregon’s schools.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
House Interim Committee on Labor and Workforce Development for Oregon Education Association
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
the need for HB 4011 to address serious safety issues and barriers to supporting students, particularly in addressing class sizes above 25, which they argue have a profoundly negative impact on teachers and vulnerable students. The Oregon Education Association and other educators highlight the importance of restoring bargaining rights to discuss solutions, including manageable class sizes and caseload limits, to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. They also emphasize the need for meaningful dialogue between educators and school districts on working conditions, citing the district's refusal to engage on this issue as a major contributor to the educators' decision to strike. By addressing these concerns, HB 4011 aims to improve student outcomes and teacher retention, ultimately benefiting both students and educators.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of House Bill 4011 express concerns about the financial and logistical implications of reducing class sizes across all schools in Forest Grove School District. They argue that expanding mandatory bargaining to include class size statewide would increase personnel costs and risk prolonged labor disputes, diverting resources away from students' needs. Additionally, they contend that smaller classes do not necessarily yield significant academic benefits, particularly for economically disadvantaged students who could benefit most from targeted resource allocation. Furthermore, opponents worry about the potential fiscal and operational risks associated with mandatory collective bargaining, which could limit small rural school districts' ability to make individualized student decisions, ultimately creating a one-size-fits-all approach that may not address the underlying issues facing public schools in Oregon.
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