Natalie Pate
Natalie Pate is a K-12 education reporter for OPB. Natalie has written about education in Oregon and beyond for nearly a decade, including more than seven years at the Statesman Journal in Salem. She is a former fellow for Investigative Reporters and Editors and the Education Writers Association. Her byline has appeared in outlets such as Oregon Capital Chronicle, Eater PDX, The Hechinger Report and USA Today.
Natalie is passionate about accountability and equity reporting in education. She loves to share the stories and perspectives of students, families and employees most impacted by the K-12 system. Send questions and tips to npate@opb.org.
Latest Stories
US Supreme Court’s opt-out for LGBTQ materials doesn’t cancel out Oregon’s new book ban law
The federal ruling requires a way for parents to opt out on religious grounds. Oregon’s new law includes a similar provision but in a different context.
3 Oregon students file lawsuit to ban trans athletes from women’s sports
Legal challenges to trans athletes competing in women's sports have appeared in multiple states. Three Oregon students argue trans athletes are given special privileges, including having to hire security to escort them during track meets.
Federal court ruling continues yearslong lawsuit on shortened school days for Oregon students with disabilities
A federal class-action lawsuit claims Oregon failed to ensure students with disabilities receive a full day of education. On Monday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled the case should proceed.
Making math more accessible leads to national honor for this Lake Oswego educator
Selected from hundreds of nominees, these teachers are meant to represent the best of what’s happening in local schools, all at a time when reading and math achievement remains a top priority.
Oregon lawmakers didn’t approve school meals bills. Now federal nutrition cuts loom
Advocates worry about the effect on people who are hungry. State lawmakers say they didn’t have the money to do more.
Gov. Kotek issues executive order banning cellphones during school hours
Every Oregon school district will have to adopt a policy prohibiting student cellphone use by Oct. 31. The policies must be in full effect by 2026.
School funding, college costs and book bans: What did lawmakers do for young people in Oregon’s 2025 legislative session?
K-12 school spending rose to meet anticipated costs. But child care, preschool and higher education were on the chopping block.
‘OPB Politics Now’: What Oregon lawmakers have, have not done on education issues this session
We take a deep dive into the education-related policies that have — and have not — moved in Salem this session.
How a small moment changed a student’s relationship to school, set them on a career path they’re still following a decade later
Kal Sibbel can pinpoint the exact moment his life changed course.
Many Oregon schools still aren’t equipped to handle extreme temperatures
The average age of K-12 school buildings in Oregon is 56 years. Experts say most weren’t built with today’s environmental factors in mind, so it’s costly and complicated to fix it.
