Name: Navigating Emerging Legal Risks for Oregon Charter Schools: Religious Neutrality, Vendor Relationships, and Public Procurement Compliance
Start: 2026-11-05T10:40:00-0800
End: 2026-11-05T11:55:00-0800

Navigating Emerging Legal Risks for Oregon Charter Schools: Religious Neutrality, Vendor Relationships, and Public Procurement Compliance

Thursday November 5, 2026 10:40am - 11:55am PST

West Willamette Room, 1st Floor

Oregon charter schools operate in an increasingly complex legal environment where constitutional requirements, statutory obligations, and day-to-day operational realities frequently intersect. This session will provide a practical legal update on two areas presenting significant compliance risks for charter schools.

First, the session will address the evolving legal landscape surrounding religious neutrality in public charter schools. Recent federal and state developments have emphasized that public entities may not discriminate against organizations solely because of their religious identity. At the same time, charter schools remain constitutionally obligated to ensure that students receive a secular public education free from religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. This portion of the presentation will explore how schools can lawfully contract with faith-based organizations while maintaining appropriate safeguards and oversight. The presenters will also discuss Oregon's unique statutory framework under ORS 327.109, which authorizes investigations and funding consequences when charter schools are alleged to be involved in religious activity, and will examine unresolved legal questions regarding the statute's procedural protections and potential due process concerns. Recent national developments involving religious charter schools and faith-based service providers will be discussed to help school leaders evaluate risk and develop practical compliance strategies.

Second, the session will provide a practical overview of Oregon public procurement requirements applicable to charter schools. Procurement obligations are frequently overlooked until a contract is challenged, an audit identifies deficiencies, or a sponsoring school district raises concerns regarding compliance. We will review common procurement requirements, competitive solicitation thresholds, exceptions, contract approval procedures, and frequent mistakes observed in charter school operations. Participants will leave with practical guidance for evaluating vendor relationships, documenting procurement decisions, and reducing legal and financial risk.

Designed for charter school administrators, board members, business managers, and authorizers, this session will focus on real-world scenarios, practical compliance tools, and emerging legal developments affecting Oregon charter schools.

Speakers

Sarah Einowski

Of Counsel, Jordan Ramis PC

Sarah comes to private practice after working in education and understands what it is like day-to-day in Oregon's public schools. She brings her specific education background and deep legal knowledge to her representation of public charter schools.

Matthew Lowe

Partner, Jordan Ramis PC

Matt has been representing public charter school for over 25 years and has a depth of knowledge related to nonprofits generally and public charter school in particular.

Forming and operating a public charter school comes with challenges, including the multiple state and federal laws and regulations that apply. We help our clients navigate through this unique process from the initial charter agreement and negotiation, to advising and drafting policies... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2026 10:40am - 11:55am PST
West Willamette Room, 1st Floor 1000 Valley River Way, Eugene, OR 97401, USA

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Stronger Together: Advancing Oregon’s Charter Schools

Sarah Einowski

Matthew Lowe

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Stronger Together: Advancing Oregon’s Charter Schools

Sarah Einowski

Matthew Lowe

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