2026 - 27 Budget Process

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is approaching budget planning as a multi-year, student-centered strategy, not a one-time set of cuts, focused on addressing a structural deficit caused by declining enrollment and rising costs. The district is using data and scenario planning, aligning decisions to district priorities, and engaging staff, families, and the community early and transparently before any final decisions are made.

Portland Public Schools anticipates an approximately $50 million structural budget deficit for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This gap reflects the difference between ongoing revenues and expenses and is driven primarily by declining enrollment, rising costs, and the expiration of one-time funding, which is why the district is taking a multi-year, proactive approach to budget planning.

PPS has been taking cost-containment steps since 2022 and communicated early that addressing the district’s structural deficit would require multiple years of adjustments, not a one-time set of cuts. Ongoing changes in enrollment, rising costs, and the loss of one-time funding mean this work must continue as part of a long-term effort to stabilize the district and protect student learning.

Preliminary estimates show PPS will meet its $50 million dollar reduction target for the 2026-27 planning cycle through system-wide adjustments. Estimated Central Office Services savings are approximately $25M. School-level reductions reflect approximately $25M in preliminary savings (about a 6% reduction district-wide). These estimates are preliminary and are subject to final budget adoption and process requirements.

Preliminary estimates indicate approximately 288 FTE (Full Time Equivalent) across the district may be impacted overall, including an estimated 108 FTE across Central Office Services. Final staffing outcomes occur through established staffing timelines and labor agreements.

Budget and staffing changes can involve reorganizations, reassignment, attrition, and adjustments to how work is delivered. Staffing outcomes follow established processes and agreements.

This is a phased process designed to ensure engagement and thoughtful decision-making. Community and staff engagement happens first, followed by leadership review of feedback and analysis. The Superintendent will release her proposed budget on April 28, which reflects what was heard during engagement and internal planning. The process concludes with a School Board vote on June 23, when final decisions are made. Staffing processes move forward through established timelines.

PPS is hosting engagement sessions and sharing updates through district communication channels. Community feedback helps leaders understand impact and refine plans where flexibility exists.

No school rightsizing decisions are being announced through this budget engagement process at this time. The school right sizing and engagement process will happen outside of this budget process.

PPS monitors class size as part of staffing and school planning. The district aims to avoid unsafe or unmanageable class sizes while working within budget constraints.

PPS remains legally required to provide Special Education services and implement IEPs. Student services required by law continue, even as PPS makes budget adjustments.

PPS recognizes student supports are essential. Adjustments are being made carefully to protect student-facing services as much as possible.

Activities are being reviewed carefully. We do not anticipate any loss of athletic programming. PPS understands extracurriculars support belonging and engagement and is working to protect student opportunities as much as possible.

Early learning programs follow specific funding rules and requirements. No program changes are being announced through this engagement phase. PPS will communicate clearly if changes are proposed in the future.

PPS is prioritizing literacy and math, along with attendance and high school success. Budget alignment is intended to protect the work that improves student outcomes.

Equity is a guiding principle. PPS is reviewing impacts to avoid disproportionate harm and to protect students who face the greatest barriers.

Realignment means adjusting structures and resources intentionally, focusing on what is essential, rather than cutting in ways that undermine priorities. The goal is stability and protecting student learning.

Some details take time because PPS must follow laws, board processes, and collective bargaining agreements. Sharing incomplete information can create confusion and undermine fairness.

The PPS Budget Process webpage is the official source of the most up-to-date and accurate information. PPS also shares key updates through ParentSquare (be sure you have your notifications on), district communication channels and public engagement events.

School-level staffing details are communicated through established staffing timelines. Principals and school leaders will share information directly with staff and school communities as it becomes available.

The Fund for PPS is the districtwide foundation. Contributions to Champion PPS Schools can be used to support additional school staff positions. The allocation of those fundraised dollars are recommended to the Board of Education by the Parent Advisory Committee for the Distribution of Donations for Staffing.

PPS will share ways to ask questions through the budget webpage and engagement opportunities. Schools will also share relevant school-level contacts when staffing timelines begin.

You can advocate by sharing your perspective with elected officials about the importance of stable, adequate funding for PPS. This may include contacting your legislators, providing public testimony, or participating in advocacy opportunities. Learn more and find resources on how to engage using our PPS Advocacy Toolkit.