Oregon Public Broadcasting

As Oregon students return to class, Democratic Governor Ted Kulongoski says he's hoping a bigger education budget will translate into a better school year.  

Kulongoski met with students at the Meriwether Lewis Elementary School in southeast Portland Thursday.  He said the increase in spending approved earlier this year will make a tangible difference for students and teachers.  

Ted Kulongoski:  "I think there an attitudinal difference among the state, both the professional staff and non teaching staff of their belief that the state legislature that their governor understands the importance of education in children's lives."  

In June, state lawmakers approved a two-year budget for K through 12 schools worth more than $6.2 billion.  That is an increase of nearly 18% from two years ago.