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
Oregon education accountability bill passes Senate. What’s next?
Here’s what you need to know about Senate Bill 141, which is meant to hold the state and schools more accountable for student outcomes.
Oregon schools get some relief from rising retirement costs amid tough budget season
The change translates into $168 million in savings for districts across the state — money schools can now use for other needs.
Special education is costly and complicated. A Salem-Keizer middle schooler shows how it can pay off
Educators are fighting for more money at the district, state and federal levels for students with disabilities.
Six things Oregonians should think about as they vote in local school board races
An in-depth guide to help voters navigate their local school board races on the May 20 ballot.
Late to the party? Here’s what you need to know about Portland Public Schools’ 2025 bond
Voters will decide on May 20 whether to approve the nearly $1.83 billion school construction bond measure.
Oregon school districts grapple with budget woes as federal funding hangs in the balance
Declining birth rates and rising inflation, along with state and federal funding uncertainties, remain ongoing barriers as Oregon school districts balance their budgets for next year.
Coalition calls for immediate action on Portland’s delayed Center for Black Student Excellence
Voters approved the $60 million initiative in 2020, but it still hasn’t come to fruition.
Oregon superintendents present united front against federal actions
School leaders from Hillsboro to Bend say they want families to be aware of the effect new federal policies are having on children.
Oregon joins Washington, other states in lawsuit fighting Trump administration over Head Start cuts
Advocates argue the Trump administration’s recent actions targeting the preschool programs undermine ‘the very premise of Head Start.’
Superintendent Armstrong presents ‘sobering fiscal cliff’ in budget proposal for Portland schools
Portland Public Schools’ top leader pointed to rising costs, limited revenue and declining enrollment as the biggest financial pressures contributing to the shortfall.
