Oregon Mobilizes Emergency State Aid Following Bend School Shooting
Gov. Tina Kotek declared an emergency to deploy recovery funds, expedite staff screening and expand active-threat training for police.
- By Chelsey Arries
- October 27, 2026
State emergency resources and personnel are mobilizing to assist the Bend-La Pine School District and the High Desert Education Service District after a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend.
Gov. Tina Kotek issued Executive Order 26-28 declaring an emergency, directing the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to coordinate recovery efforts and authorizing the Oregon Department of Education to grant administrative waivers for educational continuity.
Under the state plan, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training will add 240 active-threat training slots for law enforcement statewide over the next three months. Oregon State Police will expedite background checks for substitute teachers, crisis counselors and behavioral health specialists sent to affected schools.
State officials are seeking emergency legislative funding for the district while its federal School Emergency Response to Violence grant application processes. The money will cover immediate building repairs, substitute educators and crisis management operations.
Agency measures include:
- Oregon Department of Education staff assisting with federal grant applications.
- Oregon Employment Department staff helping school employees file Paid Leave Oregon claims.
- Statewide notifications to parents detailing Oregon firearm secure-storage requirements.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor of Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.