• A crowded classroom with about 250 students sitting together. One student has her hand raised.With the challenge of closing a $40 million budget gap, we have engaged the PPS community to hear the concerns of educators, students, families, and the broader Portland community. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How were budgeting decisions made? What is the justification for the cuts and priorities?

  • What is on the preliminary list for reductions?

  • What are the opportunities to receive information and provide feedback?

  • Do the current preliminary budget reductions include cuts to the District Central budget?

  • What has been reduced in the Central Office over the past few years?

  • Is it possible to make additional reductions to the District Central budget in order to avoid cuts to school-based services?

  • Why are cuts to school-based services necessary?

  • Where can we find more detailed information about the budget (e.g., the impacts on specific programs and staff)?

  • What will be the impact on vulnerable students?

  • What can we do to advocate at the state level?

  • What are the potential impacts of the changes to federal funding?

  • How can we influence how individual schools are staffed and resourced (e.g., our own child’s school)?