January 21, 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.  

Financial Reserves-District's "Savings Account"

In prior years, the District has had to dip into its financial reserves (ending fund balance, or EFB) to balance the budget. Our financial reserves are comparable to the district's savings account. 

These are funds set aside to address unexpected events, such as natural disasters or other emergencies. The reserves are projected to be at $10.2 million at the end of the school year. As a point of reference, operating one day of school costs $710,000.

Financial Reserves (Ending Fund Balance) over time

Our reserves have fallen below the school board's minimum amount of 8% of our operating budget.   

We can no longer dip into reserves to balance the budget. We must make budget reductions to bring our revenues in line with expenditures. 

Additional budget reductions will be necessary in future years if the state of Oregon does not provide enough funding to cover the increasing costs of our educational program.

Visit our Budget 101 Webpage to learn more about the district’s budget.

The size of reductions the District will need to make will affect every school and department, resulting in staffing reductions and changes to educational programs.

In developing the budget, the District will follow a set of guiding principles. These guiding principles reflect the district’s commitment to responsible, student-centered financial stewardship.

It is important we take a balanced approach when making reductions, centering on the needs of our students and long-term sustainability, while monitoring the impacts on students, families, and staff.

The superintendent is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the proposed budget, which is the product of an extensive, collaborative process.

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

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.