Gresham-Barlow leaders outline $3 million in cuts as teacher and community speakers urge saving middle school sports

GRESHAM — The Gresham-Barlow School District laid out a multi-pronged plan April 2 to balance its budget that includes about $3,000,000 in nonpayroll cuts and staff reductions handled through attrition, retirements and transfers, district leaders told the school board.

In remarks to the board, Superintendent John Cook said the district prioritized reducing supplies, travel and contractual services before removing staff and sought to protect safety and services for students with the highest needs. "About 30% of our reductions totaling $3,000,000 are from this work," Cook said. He added that roughly one-third of affected positions are at the district level and two-thirds are at the building level and that the process has so far affected about 4.5% of employees.

The budget discussion came after public comment from Jeremiah Hickman, a teacher and out-of-school-time…