Even with a 7% increase in the school tax rate, Portland Public Schools’ proposed budget includes significant cuts in programming across schools.
The pandemic has created a much-publicized learning deficit for students. Reducing services will only exacerbate the struggles faced by our schools as they work to help students gain lost or delayed skills.
Last week we learned Portland Public Schools will receive an additional $3.6 million in state funding, because of a state allocation error. I respectfully ask Portland’s co-superintendents, the school board, City Council and, most importantly, my fellow Portland community members to use these funds to preserve existing school services. Add these funds to the baseline budget and maintain the 7% increase to our school tax rate.
Increased funding improves student outcomes. Strong schools increase property values, attract business, decrease crime and strengthen our community. Our students, our schools and our community deserve this investment.
Benjamin Strick
Portland
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