The Oregon Education Association has outlined ambitious plans to transform itself into the state’s largest political action committee by fall 2026, even as the organization grapples with budget shortfalls that have persisted since 2018. Internal planning documents reveal the union’s strategy to expand political influence while simultaneously proposing new member assessments to fund its growing operations. The organization represents nearly 41,000 educators and support staff across Oregon, making it the state’s largest teachers union and an affiliate of the National Education Association.
Strategic planning documents obtained from the union’s 2026 Representative Assembly Handbook detail specific goals under a category labeled “Transforming Politics: Creating a pro-public school environment.” Beyond becoming Oregon’s biggest PAC, the organization aims to increase engagement and electoral success of endorsed candidates. The union’s political activities have already generated significant financial commitments to various campaigns and ballot measures throughout the state.
Financial records show extensive political contributions
State campaign finance records document hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions flowing from the union to political organizations, ballot measure campaigns, and individual candidates. Among the recipients were Legislative Accountability 1 and Transparent Elections for Grassroots Engagement, two political organizations that received substantial support. The union also directed funds to campaigns for candidates including John Wasielewski, Michael Sugar, and Lesly Muñoz, among others.
Additional contributions went to then-gubernatorial candidate Tina Kotek’s campaign, according to documentation reviewed by education watchdog groups. The pattern of spending reflects a deliberate strategy to shape Oregon’s political landscape in ways favorable to the union’s priorities. These expenditures come at a time when the organization acknowledges ongoing financial challenges that have required careful budget management and strategic planning to address persistent deficits.
Budget challenges persist despite ambitious expansion plans
The union has acknowledged in its planning documents that it has operated with budget deficits every year since the 2018-19 school year. Officials stated they are making progress toward achieving a balanced budget, noting that expected deficits have decreased by $2.1 million between 2021 and 2026. Reserve strengthening has increased to 1% of membership dues over the past two years, according to the organization’s financial projections.
To address funding needs, union leaders are proposing a new bylaw that would impose a $20 annual assessment per member specifically for a “Public School Funding Campaign.” The assessment would run for three years unless extended by the union’s Representative Assembly. With approximately 41,000 members statewide, this measure could generate roughly $820,000 annually if approved by voting members.
Budget projections indicate personnel spending will exceed $23.8 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year. Salaries and benefits account for approximately 79.3% of projected expenditures, representing the largest category of spending in the organization’s budget. The high percentage allocated to personnel costs has drawn attention from critics who question spending priorities given the union’s stated financial challenges.
Social justice initiatives and policy positions outlined
The strategic planning documents also detail racial and social justice objectives that extend beyond traditional collective bargaining issues. Under the Racial and Social Justice category, the organization established a goal for 2026-27 to improve pK-CC funding to build racially and culturally responsive schools designed to attract and retain historically marginalized students and educators.
The Representative Assembly handbook laid out several proposed resolutions covering diverse policy areas. One resolution calls for heavy taxation of billionaires and top income earners, while another opposes AI-powered weapons systems. Additional guidance limits the use of artificial intelligence as a tool to reduce staffing levels in schools, reflecting concerns about technology’s impact on education employment.
- Goal to become Oregon’s largest PAC by fall 2026
- Proposed $20 annual assessment per member for three years
- Personnel costs projected at $23.8 million for 2026-27
- Budget deficits ongoing since 2018-19 school year
- Nearly 41,000 members across Oregon
Student performance data raises questions about priorities
Education advocacy organizations have pointed to Oregon student performance data as context for evaluating the union’s spending priorities and political focus. According to 2024 data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Oregon students scored significantly below the national average in multiple crucial areas. Fourth-grade math, fourth-grade reading, and eighth-grade math all showed performance levels trailing national benchmarks.
Rhyen Staley, Director of Research at Defending Education, criticized what he characterized as a pattern of teachers unions utilizing member dues to fund political campaigns and activism rather than focusing primarily on educational outcomes. He argued that Oregon’s continued poor ranking in educational outcomes should prompt accountability for organizations that continue to benefit financially while children and families struggle with inadequate academic preparation.
Critics have expressed frustration that the union continues spending tens of millions on what they describe as pet projects and internal salaries while student achievement remains below national standards. The contrast between ambitious political expansion plans and persistent academic performance challenges has become a focal point for those questioning the organization’s priorities and resource allocation decisions.
Union defends political engagement as essential to mission
Union representatives have historically defended political activity as essential to advocating for public education funding and protecting educator interests in the legislative process. The organization argues that political engagement is necessary to create favorable policy environments for public schools and to counter efforts they view as undermining public education. Building political influence through PAC activities and candidate endorsements represents a core strategy for advancing these objectives.
The proposed member assessment for the Public School Funding Campaign reflects the union’s view that sustained political advocacy requires dedicated resources beyond regular membership dues. Officials maintain that investment in political infrastructure will yield long-term benefits for educators and students by shaping education policy at the state level. The three-year timeframe for the assessment provides flexibility for the Representative Assembly to evaluate effectiveness and decide whether to extend the program.
As the 2026 deadline approaches for achieving largest PAC status in Oregon, the union faces competing demands of addressing budget deficits while funding expanded political operations. The organization’s ability to balance financial sustainability with political ambitions will determine whether it can achieve its stated goals without compromising member services or further straining organizational finances. The outcome will likely influence how other education unions across the country approach similar questions about resource allocation between traditional representation activities and broader political engagement.
