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An initiative petition to fund career and technical education programs in Oregon school districts has qualified for November ballots.

The Secretary of State last week certified that 101,302 signatures of 129,686 submitted by supporters of – or the Oregonians for High School Success initiative – were valid. They needed 88,000 signatures.

The newly-branded Measure 98 will ask general election voters whether to dedicate new state revenue to high school career and technical education as well as career-readiness courses and dropout prevention.

The measure, if it were to pass, would require the Legislature to provide at least $800 per high school student to the Department of Education. The money would reach Oregon high schools through grants. The Secretary of State would monitor the program every other year.

An analysis by ECONorthwest estimates 88 school districts would receive a combined $147 million. Supporters say the money would allow every school district in Oregon to offer vocational and career technical education.

In December, the Elections Division received public comment on the proposed ballot language. Among the commenters was Our Oregon director Ben Unger, sponsor of Initiative Petition 68 – a plan to raise taxes on businesses that make more than $25 million a year in Oregon. Unger argued in his objection to the ballot language that it was misleadingly vague and could potentially reduce funding for education, human services and public safety.

Among the measure’s chief petitioners is ex-Gov. Ted Kulongoski. Other supporters include construction industry groups Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors.

So far, five other measures have qualified for general election ballots.