School districts throughout the state are struggling with decreasing budgets. Many districts are dealing with teacher layoffs and shortened school years.  Gail Rasmussen, the President of the Oregon Education Association admits these are challenging times for education.  “Oh, I think continuing funding crisis and continuing teacher layoffs and shortened programs.  As educators are still excited, but these shortened school year impacts students and their learning.”  The OEA is helping gather signatures for Initiative Petition 35, that would reform the corporate kicker by putting money into Oregon K through 12 classrooms.