MEDFORD, Ore.,--Medford School District students started their first day of school Monday. South Medford High School incoming freshmen lined up outside of the gym for the long-standing tradition of walking through the tunnel of teachers before an orientation.
Principal Donnie Frazier addressed the students on their first day of school before welcoming surprise guest, State Governor Kate Brown. Governor Brown addressed the students in the school gym about the Student Success Act, passed in May, and what it means for them.
"You are living proof that in the face of generation adversity and palatial turmoil, hope can still grow...I have faith in the future of Oregon because you are it, you are truly the future of Oregon," says Governor Brown to the students during her speech.
In May, the Oregon Senate approved this mulit-billion dollar education tax designed to boost student performance and decrease class sizes. It's in affect now.