As the school year nears its end, school districts across Oregon are forced to consider what comes next. With that, comes controversy over the yearly budget. On March 13, the Tigard Tualatin School District (TTSD) leadership gathered to discuss the budget for the 2025-26 school year.
During this session, it was announced that TTSD is facing another budget cut, following the one that came about this time last year. Previous budgets have caused TTSD to spend about $20 million from their reserves, leading to a budget cut of $10.7 million for the upcoming school year. However, according to the teacher’s union, TTSD has historically had a reserve of about 12 percent, compared to other school districts in Oregon that have a 5-8 percent reserve. This year’s budget cut is meant to prevent other cuts in the future and minimize impact in the classroom, according to the district. However, staffing reductions are a large portion of the cut.
TTSD is far from the only school district that is facing budget cuts. Lake Oswego School District also announced that jobs will be cut in order to fill a $12 million hole in their budget. Portland Public School District is facing an estimated $40 million budget shortfall, which will also result in staffing reductions.
So why are there so many budget cuts? TTSD says a budget cut is necessary due to declining enrollment and insufficient funding from the state.
School districts are funded based on how many students attend. In other words, there are currently fewer children coming in than graduating every year. If there is a lack of enrollment, the school district is funded with less money, causing a budget deficit.
With this deficit, many students are expecting some of their favorite electives and clubs to be cut or funded at a lower level.
“All the affinity clubs could use more funding. They are severely underfunded,” said sophomore Keziah Ocholi. Ocholi is a member of BSU and HOSA.
Students also noticed this year that ACT testing was not paid for by the district as it has been in the past. Students must now test off site and pay for testing.
“I am sad about the ACT testing cuts, because now I have to pay for it myself and find a facility to take it,” said Ocholi.
As of press time, there was no information about which departments or teachers at TuHS will be affected by the cut. The school district and teachers union were meeting throughout April to ensure the cuts are being applied according to the contract.
