Gresham-Barlow School District proposes 2026-27 budget
Proposed budget seeks to close $10 million funding gap
Gresham-Barlow School District Superintendent Dr. Tracy Klinger presented the 2026-27 proposed budget on Wednesday night to the District’s Budget Committee. Due to declining enrollment and state funding failing to keep pace with rising costs, the proposed budget includes a $10.2 million reduction in programs and services.
“Like many school districts across the state, we are forced to make some painful decisions to balance our budget,” said Superintendent Klinger. “The financial challenges we face are a stark reminder that the state’s funding system is failing to meet the needs of our students.”
A majority of the district’s funding goes towards staffing. To close the $10 million funding gap, the district is reducing 69.93 positions (out of 1,100) district-wide. The reductions also include cutting back on supplies and materials, and scaling back programs.
The proposed budget is the result of a comprehensive budget development process. The District worked with school leadership to conduct detailed reviews of programs and services. The process included collaborating with labor unions and seeking input from staff, families, and community members. The District was also guided by its Budget Development Guiding Principles.
“During the process, we focused on a student’s complete K-12 educational experience, and no decision was made in isolation,” said Klinger. “To the greatest extent possible, we worked to reduce rather than eliminate programs.”
Next steps
The Budget Committee will meet again on Wednesday, May 13 (Details Below). The meeting will include further review of the budget and the opportunity for public comment. The Budget Committee’s role is to approve the budget. The school board must adopt a balanced budget by June 30.
Budget Information
Proposed 2026-27 Budget
List of 2026-27 Budget Reductions
Superintendent’s Budget Message
Visit the 2026-27 Budget Development Webpage for information about the district’s budget, the development process, and the budget committee calendar.
Questions?
Email your questions to gbsd@gresham.k12.or.us
Budget Committee Meeting 2
Date: May 13
This will be an evening meeting.
Location and start time will be announced on the District’s Budget Development Webpage.
View the Meeting’s Live Stream
Links to livestreams of meetings are posted on this webpage prior to the meeting:
School Board/Budget Committee Meeting Information
Recordings of School Board and Budget Committee Meetings are posted to the Gresham-Barlow School District YouTube Channel.
