Portland school district plans cuts to 450 jobs

Portland Public Schools will cut up to 450 full-time equivalent positions before the 2027 school year. Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong made the announcement on Monday. The district faces a $65 million budget deficit.

The district is weighing two different plans. One plan includes closing as many as 14 schools. Both options would change programs for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Armstrong stated that the district needs to act to maintain operations.

Of the 450 positions at risk, 223 are school-based roles. These include teachers and classroom support staff. Armstrong noted that these cuts mean fewer adults are available to serve students.

Staff members who may lose their jobs have not yet been contacted. Armstrong expects to release more details in January or February. She said the district is working to provide clarity as soon as possible.

Officials cite rising pension costs and lower enrollment as the main causes of the financial strain. Funding is tied to student numbers. Fewer students result in less revenue while operating costs remain high. Armstrong explained that the district receives fewer dollars for serving fewer children.

Selling school buildings could help close the budget gap. Armstrong said a sale would provide one-time funds to improve facilities. The district would also reinvest 100 full-time equivalent positions back into schools. This would help offset the initial cuts.

Armstrong will submit a final recommendation to the school board by the end of next week. The board is scheduled to vote on the issue in December. She emphasized that supporting students with complex needs remains the primary focus.