The Gresham-Barlow School District has created a list of "Frequently Asked Questions" about the budget and the district's finances. This list will be updated periodically throughout the budget development process. If you have a question, please email it to gbsd@gresham.k12.or.us
-Why are budget cuts necessary?
Simply put, funding is not keeping pace with rising costs.
Staffing costs continue to rise, especially related to rapidly increasing PERS costs.
Like districts across Oregon, our student enrollment is declining, which reduces the state funding we receive.
The state of Oregon is also facing a revenue shortfall for the 2025-27 biennium due to new federal tax policies.
In addition, the amount of federal funding we will receive for next school year is uncertain.
We must make budget reductions to bring our revenues in line with expenditures.
-Where does GBSD’s funding come from, and how is the amount determined?
The majority of our funding comes from the state of Oregon. Every two years (each biennium), the legislature determines how much schools will receive.
School districts receive more money depending on a number of factors, including:
- Student enrollment
- The number of special education students enrolled
- The number of English language learners they serve
We watch these indicators closely to help us project how much funding we will have to work with in the coming years.
-How does GBSD spend the funding it receives?
About 70% of our budget goes directly to our people—paying the teachers and staff who work with our students and who support our schools. The remaining 30% covers everything else it takes to run our schools, including bus drivers, nutrition service workers, building utilities, maintenance, and classroom supplies.
-How has the District managed inadequate state and federal funding in past school years?
In prior years, the District has dipped into its financial reserves (ending fund balance, or EFB) to balance the budget. Our financial reserves are comparable to the district's savings account.
Our reserves have fallen below the school board's minimum amount of 8% of our operating budget.
We can no longer dip into reserves to balance the budget.
-Did the District make budget reductions for the 2025-26 school year?
Yes, to balance the budget, the District used a combination of staff reductions and non-payroll reductions (supplies and materials, professional development, etc.). The District reduced its budget by $8.1 million through staffing reductions and other cost-saving measures.
-In reducing the budget, how will decisions be made?
The superintendent is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the proposed budget, which is the product of an extensive, collaborative process.
In early February, we will engage the community to share information and learn what is valued most about our educational program.
In developing the budget, District staff will follow a set of guiding principles. These guiding principles reflect the district’s commitment to responsible, student-centered financial stewardship.
It is important we take a balanced approach when making reductions, centering on the needs of our students and long-term sustainability, while monitoring the impacts on students, families, and staff.
View the Guiding Principles
-What can families, staff, and community members do to increase the level of funding schools receive?
The best way for supporters of K-12 education to make a difference is by contacting their state lawmakers. It’s important to share with legislators why adequate funding is needed to ensure we can meet the needs of all students.
Contact Information for State Lawmakers
