Oregon’s Latino population continues to grow, spurring communities to improve their outreach.
A report by the Oregon Community Foundation titled “Latinos in Oregon” estimates 12 percent of the state’s population is now Latino, compared to 8 percent in 2000.
In some Eastern Oregon communities, the growth has been even more rapid.
Umatilla School District superintendent Heidi Sipe said 65 percent of her students are Latino and 70 percent have a mixed ethnic background. In 2001, 42 percent of the district’s students were Latino.
“What families need at 42 percent Hispanic is far different than what they need at 70 percent Hispanic,” Sipe said. “We’re always adjusting.” READ MORE AT EAST OREGONIAN
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