Welcome to the 2026-27 PPS Budget Process
Portland Public Schools is committed to transparency, collaboration, and engagement in shaping our district’s budget. With a $50 million shortfall, we are working to make strategic reductions while centering student outcomes.
This webpage is your hub for updates, engagement opportunities, and ways to provide feedback.
The 2026-27 Budget Engagement Calendar
Visit this page to get dates, times, and locations of upcoming budget engagement events where you can learn more about our budgeting process and lend your voice to this important effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn about PPS’s budget challenges, share your feedback, and explore ways to advocate for increased school funding.
Upcoming Engagement Events
Join the conversation and provide feedback by attending one of our ucoming engagement events.
Advocate for
Schools
Help fight for full school funding at the state level. Learn how to contact legislators and get involved in PPS’s advocacy efforts.
2026-27 Budget Overview: Understanding Our Financial Reality
Why is there a budget deficit?
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is facing a $50 million budget shortfall for the 2026-27 school year. This deficit is driven by three major factors:
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Rising Costs – Inflation has made everything more expensive, from classroom supplies to staff salaries. The district has also increased investments in teacher planning time and benefits.
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Limited Funding – Oregon’s school funding has not kept up with the rising costs of operating our schools, and federal pandemic relief funds have ended. Year-over-year reduced federal funding is squeezing state budgets as well, which impacts our bottom line.
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Declining Enrollment – Fewer students are enrolling in PPS, but the district still operates the same number of school buildings. Because state funding is based on student numbers, fewer students mean less funding.
Despite these financial pressures, PPS remains committed to prioritizing students, educators, and quality education while making strategic budget adjustments.
A Multi-Year Challenge
What have we done so far?
Over the last several years, PPS has taken steps to reduce costs while trying to protect classrooms:
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2022-23: Cut $30 million from central office budgets to keep schools funded.
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2023-24: Froze hiring for non-teaching positions and cut $10 million in non-personnel costs.
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2024-25: Reduced central office services and outside contracts, totaling $15 million in cuts.
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2025-26: An additional $40 million in reductions were needed, impacting both school and district-level budgets.
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2026-27: Looking for areas to trim $50 million in expenditures while not cutting essential staff and services.
These reductions mean that some programs, services, and staff positions will be affected. PPS is working to make thoughtful adjustments that minimize harm to students and teachers.
Where Will Reductions Be Made?
Proposed Impacts
To close the $50 million gap, both school-based and district-wide cuts will be necessary:
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Some District Central Budget Cuts – Further reductions in administrative costs, contracts, and operational expenses.
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Some School-Based Cuts – Potential reductions in staffing, support services, and extracurricular programs.
What Happens Next?
How we’re engaging, and how you can too!
We hear you, and we’re committed to a transparent and community-centered budget process. Here’s how you can stay informed and get involved.