Oregon Declares Emergency to Aid Bend Schools After Shooting

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency for Bend-La Pine Schools and the High Desert Education Service District after the Oct. 15 shooting at Silver Rail Elementary, which killed three children and a teacher. The order coordinates state agency support and gives school leaders flexibility to meet urgent recovery needs, including potential waivers of normal education requirements. State agencies are expediting background checks for substitute educators, volunteers and mental health professionals, helping eligible workers access paid leave, and supporting applications for federal recovery aid; Kotek is also seeking state funding for expenses such as building repairs and substitute staff. Separately, she directed schools statewide to inform parents about Oregon’s firearm safe-storage law as the investigation into the shooting continues.