Portland Public Schools to Cut 290 Jobs to Close $50M Budget Gap

Portland Public schools officials released preliminary budget recommendations Jan. 16 to address a $50 million gap projected for the 2026–27 school year. They propose eliminating 288 positions, 180 of them in schools and 108 in the central office.

The cuts stem from rising costs, limited revenue, and declining enrollment. The budget is expected to be finalized in June, but the district anticipates resistance from families regarding these proposals.

The district plans to combine grades in more elementary classrooms and increase staff-to-student ratios in upper grades, eliminating 91 full-time positions. Notable cuts will also effect coaching and interventionist positions, with the latter being partially centralized.(Instructional coaches support teachers in improving thier practice,while interventionists provide targeted assistance to students who are struggling.)