Focused on Students
In our final video of our Budget 101 series, we're talking about how all our decisions are focused on students.
Pay and Benefits at PPS
This week in our Budget 101 series, we're talking compensation and what is included for employees at PPS.
Every other Wednesday, we'll share a new video as we aim to break down the big stuff. We're giving you our district budget in bite-sized, easy-to-understand videos. Because budgets shouldn’t be a mystery, they should make sense
Stay tuned for Part 8: "A Public Process” — coming soon!
What is PERS?
This week in our Budget 101 series, we're talking about PERS - Oregon's Public Employee Retirement System.
Every other Wednesday, we'll share a new video as we aim to break down the big stuff. We're giving you our district budget in bite-sized, easy-to-understand videos. Because budgets shouldn’t be a mystery, they should make sense.
Stay tuned for Part 7: "Pay and Benefits at PPS” — coming soon!
Why Cuts Happen
This week in our Budget 101 series, we're explaining why cuts happen and why it almost always means losing staff.
Every other Wednesday, we'll share a new video as we aim to break down the big stuff. We're giving you our district budget in bite-sized, easy-to-understand videos. Because budgets shouldn’t be a mystery, they should make sense
Stay tuned for Part 7: "What is PERS” — coming soon!
A District Savings Account
This week in our Budget 101 series, we're explaining what our Fund Balance means and why long-term planning in critical. Every other Wednesday, we'll share a new video as we aim to break down the big stuff. We're giving you our district budget in bite-sized, easy-to-understand videos. Because budgets shouldn’t be a mystery, they should make sense.
People Power The Budget
About 84% of the PPS budget goes to the people who run our schools — teachers, principals, bus drivers, custodians, and other staff — including their benefits negotiated with six labor unions. The remaining 16% funds essential operations like utilities, supplies, technology, and services. PPS contracts out only for specialized needs. In short, most of the budget supports the people who power our schools.
Three Buckets, One Budget
The district’s budget is built around three core “buckets”: the general fund for daily operations like teacher salaries and utilities (~$868 M for 2025-26), the special revenue fund for targeted programs (~$225 M), and bond funds restricted to major capital projects (which cannot pay for salaries). Understanding what each bucket can cover is key to understanding school finance.
Where PPS Funding Comes From
The PPS budget is driven largely by state funding and local tax support, which are closely tied to student enrollment. As costs rise and enrollment changes, the district faces growing financial pressures. This video offers a simple overview of how school funding works and why it matters for our students and community.
Why Budgets Matter
The Portland Public Schools budget impacts nearly every part of student life, from hiring teachers and maintaining buildings to offering academic programs. This short video breaks down how the district’s budget process works in a clear, accessible way. By understanding how funding decisions are made, the community can better engage in conversations about priorities, trade-offs, and the shared goal of supporting students.