SchoolsTuesday, November 3
Portland Public Schools asks the state to tap a $500 million fund as 450 positions are at risk
The Daily Oregon City team
If you follow school funding, this one reaches past Portland. Portland Public Schools leaders laid out a projected $65 million deficit for next school year on Monday, and Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong said up to 450 full-time-equivalent positions could be eliminated. Armstrong said about $40 million of the gap comes from higher PERS retirement costs.
“The Governor should consider accessing $500 million from the Ed Stability Fund to buy down the PERS rate for schools across the state.”
Armstrong said the district starts with central office cuts and expects to share that list in January or February. Affected staff haven't been notified yet. The school board meets tonight.
- Closure plans: Option A closes 14 schools, Option B closes 11
- Board meeting: Tue., Nov. 3, 6 to 8 p.m., Benson High School
- Education Stability Fund: a $1 billion account funded by lottery dollars
- Savings estimate: $1 million per closed building "over time"
The school board's closure decision is expected Dec. 15
- Nov. 3School board meets 6 to 8 p.m. at Benson High School.
- Dec. 15Board is expected to vote on final closure decisions.
- Jan. 2027Armstrong expects to share the central office reduction list in January or February.
Sources: KATU, FM News 101 KXL
Sources: Oregon Public Broadcasting, KPTV, FM News 101 KXL, KATU