Gresham-Barlow School District announces budget reductions for 2026-27
District takes a balanced approach to balance the budget
Today, the Gresham-Barlow School District (GBSD) released its list of budget reductions for the 2026-27 school year. The GBSD is facing a $10 million funding gap because state funding is not keeping pace with rising costs and declining enrollment. To close this funding gap, the district is required to reduce staff, cut back spending on supplies and materials, and implement program reductions.
“The painful reality is we are operating within a state system that is currently failing to provide the resources necessary to meet the modern needs of our students,” said Superintendent Tracy Klinger. “While we will continue to be responsible stewards of every dollar we have, we must acknowledge that when the system underfunds education, it is our students, our families, and our staff who ultimately pay the price.”
The District used its Budget Development Guiding Principles and input gathered from staff and the community to guide its decision-making. This process included detailed reviews of programs and services, engagement with district and building leadership, collaboration with labor unions, and input from students, staff, families, and community members.
“Community feedback showed a strong desire to continue offering students a well-rounded education,” said Superintendent Klinger. “Because of this, the District focused on maintaining a variety of opportunities, emphasizing reduction rather than elimination of programs to the greatest extent possible.”
Along with a variety of non-personnel reductions, a reduction of 69.93 positions (out of approximately 1100 district-wide) was needed to balance the district’s budget, as a majority of the district’s budget goes toward staffing
“These cuts are painful because each staff member provides a valuable service to our students, and their absence will be deeply felt,” said Klinger. “We will do everything we can to support those impacted with dignity, clarity, and support.”
UPDATED LINK:
View complete list of Budget Reductions for 2026-27
The layoff process is guided by state requirements, collective bargaining agreements, and district administrative rules. Because of retirements and resignations, the number of layoffs will be fewer than the number of positions cut. The District notified impacted staff the week of April 20.
Next steps
The budget reductions are incorporated into the district’s proposed 2026-27 budget, which will be released on April 29, when the district’s budget committee meets.
At the meeting, the budget committee will elect a chair and vice-chair, review the proposed budget, and take public input. If needed, the Budget Committee will hold a second meeting on May 13. The Budget Committee is responsible for approving the proposed budget. The school board must adopt a balanced budget no later than June 30.
Budget Committee Meetings
April 29
Location NEW: Clear Creek Middle School Library,
219 NE 219th Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030
Time: 7 pm
May 13 (If Needed)
Location NEW: Clear Creek Middle School Library,
219 NE 219th Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030
Time: 7 pm
Questions?
Email your questions to gbsd@gresham.k12.or.us
Need more information?
Visit our 2026-27 Budget Development Webpage for information about the district’s budget, the development process, and the budget committee calendar.
