January 13, 2026

The Gresham-Barlow School District is developing its budget for the 2026–27 school year. Due to rising costs, declining enrollment, and uncertain state and federal funding, the District will need to reduce its budget next year.

Where the money comes from

A majority of the district’s funding comes from the state of Oregon. The state legislature determines the level of funding schools receive.

Where the money goes

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.

We currently estimate the District will need to cut between $7.5 million and $13 million from next year’s budget.

This comes on top of an $8.1 million reduction already built into this school year’s budget through staffing reductions and other cost savings.

Together, these cuts would total between $15.6 million and $21.1 million over two years.

Reductions of this size will affect every school and department, resulting in staffing reductions and changes to educational programs.

What we're doing now

To prepare, we are limiting spending, closely reviewing expenses, and identifying savings now. Every dollar saved today helps reduce the impact on next year’s budget.

Our budget numbers are preliminary and based on what we know right now. We expect to have a clearer picture this spring and will continue to keep families and the community updated.

If you have any questions about the GBSD budget and the budget development process, please email them to: gbsd@gresham.k12.or.us. Your questions will be used to create a “Frequently Asked Questions” list.

Visit our Budget 101 Webpage to learn more about the budget and the budget development timeline.

Watch for the next Budget Update, where we'll share the guiding principles we will use to build the 2026-27 budget.

Register Today: In-Person and Virtual Budget Forum

Join us for a community forum on the budget for families, staff, and community members.

At the event, you'll learn more about the district's budget and financial challenges. There will be time for you to engage with district leaders and ask questions.

 

Registration is required.

 

In-Person Forum

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

6 pm to 7 pm

Gordon Russell Middle School

3625 Southeast Powell Valley Road, Gresham, OR 97080

Register:

Registration Form

 

Virtual Forum

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

6:30 to 7:30 pm

Register:

Registration Form