Portland Public Schools cuts 13 administrative jobs to address growing budget deficit

Portland Public Schools has announced plans to cut 13 administrative positions as part of an effort to address major budget shortfalls facing the district.

Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong revealed the cost-cutting measures Tuesday, saying the district is dealing with a projected $50 million deficit for the upcoming school year and a $22.5 million gap in the current budget.

The reduction of 13 licensed administrator positions — roughly one-third of the district’s central office academic administrators — is the first step in a three-phase strategy to close the financial gap. District officials estimate the cuts will save about $2.75 million, and affected employees will remain in their roles until June 30, with the option to apply for other positions within the district.

Armstrong also announced that she will take six furlough days, four of which will be unpaid. Other senior-level managers will take five furlough days, a move expected to save an additional $1.2 million. Plans for possible furloughs among other central office staff are still under review.

District leaders say their goal is to minimize the impact of the cuts on classrooms and students, while avoiding school closures if possible.

Officials noted that declining enrollment has been a major factor behind the district’s financial challenges. According to Renard Adams, student numbers have dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing funding because state education funding is tied to enrollment.

Despite the decline, Adams said there were some positive signs this year, including a small increase in kindergarten enrollment and higher numbers in sixth and ninth grades.

The anticipated $50 million deficit represents about 4.6% of the district’s $1.09 billion budget for the 2026–27 school year. The financial challenges come after the district already cut about $80 million between 2022 and 2025.

Negotiations are ongoing with several labor unions, including the Portland Association of Teachers and Portland Federation of School Professionals, as officials work to determine whether furloughs or layoffs will be required to close the remaining gap.