Portland schools propose cutting 450 jobs to close $65 million deficit

The Portland Public Schools district faces a $65 million budget gap, a shortfall that forces administrators to consider eliminating up to 450 full-time equivalent positions before the 2027 school year begins. Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong announced the potential cuts on Monday, stating that the district is currently weighing two distinct plans to address the financial crisis. Both scenarios involve major changes to programs for students in grades K through 8, with one option proposing the closure of as many as 14 schools.

The district’s financial strain stems from a combination of rising pension costs, a decline in birth rates, and low enrollment numbers. Armstrong explained that funding is tied directly to student attendance, meaning fewer students result in less revenue while operating costs continue to rise. She noted that 223 of the 450 positions at risk are school-based roles, including teachers and classroom support staff. The remaining positions are administrative or district-wide roles. Armstrong described the situation as a necessity, telling reporters that the community’s energy to save schools is real because the district needs saving.

Staff members who may be affected by the cuts have not yet been notified. Armstrong indicated that more detailed information about the specific layoffs will likely be released in January or February. She emphasized that the goal is to maintain the quality of education for students, particularly those with complex needs. The superintendent stated that supporting classrooms remains the primary focus as the district works to balance its books.

If the district proceeds with a school closure plan, Armstrong confirmed that selling the vacated buildings would help close the gap. She explained that the sale or lease of buildings would provide one-time funds to improve facilities. Additionally, the plan would allow the district to reinvest 100 full-time equivalent positions back into schools for programmatic savings. This reinvestment is intended to offset some of the initial cuts while improving building conditions.

Armstrong is scheduled to submit a final recommendation regarding the possible school closures to the school board by the end of the week. The board has set a vote on the issue for December. The decision will determine whether the district closes schools, cuts specific programs, or pursues a different combination of measures to address the deficit.

The announcement follows a period of community concern over the district's finances. Armstrong said she was encouraged by the public response, which included chants to save schools. She maintained that the district must act now to ensure it can resource and support its classrooms effectively in the coming years.