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Portland school board holds public hearing on FY26 budget; budget advances to second read after committee cleanup
Summary
The Portland Board of Public Education heard public comment and completed a first read on the proposed 2025–26 school budget on April 1, after the Finance, Operations and Personnel Committee unanimously moved the superintendent's proposal to the full board with a committee amendment that trims about $40,800.
The Portland Board of Public Education opened a public hearing on the district's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on April 1 and advanced the document to a first read with a committee-cleanup amendment.
The budget hearing was opened at the start of the meeting to gather public comment ahead of the board's first read. Speakers during the public hearing included parents, staff and community partners who both praised and criticized aspects of the proposal. Lara Rosen of Portland expressed support for the budget and the district's focus on equity and multilingual students. Other commenters urged more transparency and accountability before approving additional tax requests.
At the board level, Board Member Bridal reported that the Finance, Operations and Personnel Committee had reviewed the superintendent's budget in several sessions, requested additional materials on potential adjustments, and voted unanimously to move the proposal to the full board. The committee also approved one amendment that corrects typographical errors and reflects an agreement for the Foundation for Portland Public Schools to assume fundraising for certain non-personnel items. Bridal said the amendment reduces the superintendent's original proposal by approximately $40,800.
Superintendent Scallon and staff noted the budget will return for a second read and a final vote next week. Board members were reminded that if they intend to offer amendments those be circulated in advance so the public and other board members have time to review them. The board did not take a final vote on the budget at the April 1 meeting.
Why it matters: The FY26 budget sets staffing and program priorities and will be forwarded to City Council as part of the municipal budget process after the board's final vote. Several public speakers used the hearing to emphasize funding priorities such as adult education, environmental literacy educators and classroom supports.
