Portland Public Schools announces tens of millions of dollars in upcoming budget cuts : Portland

It's only going to get worse.

Nationally, there's a decrease in numbers of kids being born. Locally Oregon has an even higher decrease in kids being born. Less kids means that funding will continue to decrease. Data shows that wealthier parents are sending kids to private schools more often than the past, and having fewer kids. This means that public schools are left with a dwindling number, of kids largely from lower economic status meaning higher needs.

Additionally the shift in the last 10-20 years of keeping disruptive/high behavior needs kids in classrooms is only going to accelerate this flight. My neighbor pulled her kids out of an elementary school after a kid had numerous repeated outbursts (some violent) which made the class have to "evacuate" to the center of the school wing for hours at a time, numerous times in a month. Principle was kind but acknowledged that the kid was going to stay in the class and her hands were tied in the matter. So PPS seems like they are prioritizing keeping disruptive kids in classrooms over the needs of other students. Parents with resources will just say, "frick that" and either move districts or pay for private school where they aren't subjected to such traumatic disruption in school.

This is the future of public education in blue areas. Parents with the means will simply switch to private schools or move away which will shrink the tax base and lead to budget cuts.

Fricking with education will never end well. Should've listened when people were complaining, I guess.