Portland Public Schools Braces for 288 Job Cuts as Enrollment Drops and a $50 Million Budget Gap Looms

PORTLAND, Ore. — A proposal to slash $50 million from the Portland Public Schools’ (PPS) budget could result in 288 jobs lost.

PPS is Oregon’s largest school district, and the $50 million cutback will be funded by pruning administrative and school budgets.

Another proposal that could cause consternation among parents is to combine first and second-grade classes.

PPS Spends 84% of its Budget on Staffing

In a video statement, PPS Chief Financial Officer Michelle Morrison explains that expenditure is rapidly outstripping income streams.

She says that continued student enrollment shrinkage and depleted reserves, cutting back on staff is unavoidable. Staffing gobbles 84% of the PPS operating budget.

The proposed $50 million budget cut follows on the heels of last year’s $30 million cutback, attributed to a lack of sufficient state funding, reduced student numbers, and dwindling COVID-19 relief funds.

Adding further strain amid ongoing budget pressures is that PPS is struggling with persistent teacher shortages in key subjects, particularly math and special education.

This has forced reliance on emergency licenses and substitute teachers, further straining the budget and classroom quality.

Substitute Teaching Posts Required Qualifications

On its website, PPS says that individuals who have never held an Oregon Unrestricted Teaching License from the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSCP) or who do not hold an Active Teaching License from another state could qualify for a substitute teaching post.

Minimum qualifications required are at least one school year semester of student or intern teaching, or previous teaching experience; as well as a BA degree from an accredited college or university.

Candidates in need of district sponsorship will be given information when applying for the license and offered a position at a PPS.