Portland Schools Plead for More Funding at Oregon Capitol

Faculty and students from Portland Public Schools lobby state lawmakers for increased education funding to address budget shortfalls.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Educators and students from Portland Public Schools traveled to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem to advocate for more funding for their district, which is facing a $50 million budget deficit. PPS Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong stated that the district had to cut $40 million last year and rising costs continue to outpace revenues. The students, including Rose Sandell and Misha Russo-Yanowitz, met with lawmakers to highlight the need for funding to support programs, counselors, and school safety.

Why it matters

Portland Public Schools, the largest district in Oregon, is struggling with significant budget shortfalls that threaten to impact student programs, mental health resources, and overall school safety. As the state legislature considers education funding, the advocacy efforts of PPS faculty and students aim to secure additional resources to maintain critical services for Portland's public school students.

The details

PPS Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong stated the district is facing a $50 million budget deficit, on top of $40 million in cuts made last year. Rising costs continue to outpace revenues, prompting the district to lobby state lawmakers for increased funding. Students like Rose Sandell and Misha Russo-Yanowitz met with legislators in both the state House and Senate to share their perspectives on the funding crisis, highlighting concerns over the potential loss of specialized programs and the importance of counselors and safety personnel to student wellbeing.

  • On February 18, 2026, PPS faculty and students traveled to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem to meet with lawmakers.
  • PPS officials say the district's school board will finalize the budget in June 2026.

The players

Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong

The superintendent of Portland Public Schools, the largest school district in Oregon.

Rose Sandell

A Portland Public Schools student who advocated for funding to preserve specialized programs like computer science and culinary arts.

Misha Russo-Yanowitz

A Portland Public Schools student who emphasized the importance of funding for counselors and school safety personnel.

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What they’re saying

“In Portland Public Schools, we're looking at a $50 million deficit. Last year we cut $40 million. And so, rising costs continue and we are not getting the revenue that we need.”

— Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Superintendent, Portland Public Schools (KPTV)

“She is super interested in computer science, she's interested in culinary and she's interested in all of these super niche programs that are very specific to Lincoln, and I want to advocate for her to get the opportunity to take those classes.”

— Rose Sandell, Portland Public Schools Student (KPTV)

“Like 90% of funds from PPS goes into hiring personnel. So, counselors and safety guards around the schools are important that the students feel safe and feel taken care of.”

— Misha Russo-Yanowitz, Portland Public Schools Student (KPTV)

What’s next

PPS officials say there's still time for lawmakers to make a difference, with the district's school board finalizing the budget in June 2026.

The takeaway

The funding crisis facing Portland Public Schools highlights the ongoing challenges many districts across the country are grappling with, as rising costs and stagnant revenues threaten critical programs, mental health resources, and overall school safety. The advocacy efforts of PPS faculty and students underscore the need for state lawmakers to prioritize education funding to ensure all students have access to a high-quality public education.