2026-05-13 026-27 Board of Education Budget Hearing and Work Session

The Portland Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education held a budget hearing and work session on May 13, 2026, focused on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year. The meeting included a detailed overview of the budget challenges, highlighting declining enrollment, limited revenue, and the exhaustion of reserve funds. Significant discussion centered on proposed cuts to transportation services, particularly the elimination of bus services to Access Academy, a specialized accelerated learning program, which raised concerns about accessibility for students reliant on district-provided transportation. Public comments emphasized the importance of maintaining funding for racial equity and social justice (RESJ) initiatives and community partnerships, which support vulnerable student populations. Board members asked clarifying questions about budget reductions, including cuts to RESJ contracts, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and the potential unintended consequences of staffing reductions. The meeting also addressed contract spending, including transportation costs and construction-related contracts tied to district modernization projects. No formal votes were recorded during the session, but the board committed to further review and respond to questions post-meeting.