2025 - 26 Budget Process

Engaging Our Community, Prioritizing Our Students.

  • Welcome to the 2025-26 PPS Budget Process

    Portland Public Schools is committed to transparency, collaboration, and engagement in shaping our district’s budget. With a $40 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.

    2025-26 Budget Overview: Understanding Our Financial Reality

    Why is there a budget deficit?

    Portland Public Schools (PPS) is facing a $40 million budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year. This deficit is driven by three major factors:

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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:

    • 2022-23: Cut $30 million from central office budgets to keep schools funded.

    • 2023-24: Froze hiring for non-teaching positions and cut $10 million in non-personnel costs.

    • 2024-25: Reduced central office services and outside contracts, totaling $15 million in cuts.

    • 2025-26: An additional $40 million in reductions is needed, impacting both school and district-level budgets.

    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 $40 million gap, both school-based and district-wide cuts will be necessary:

    • Some District Central Budget Cuts – Further reductions in administrative costs, contracts, and operational expenses.

    • Some School-Based Cuts – Potential reductions in staffing, support services, and extracurricular programs.

  • Impacts on
    Schools

  • Budget Reduction
    Details

  • Impacts on
    District Operations

  • 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: