Political winds swirling around the Portland Public Schools are likely to hit gale force today when the district's school board is scheduled to approve its budget for next year. 3400 S.E. 26th Ave. Recent discussions spawned rancorous debate among parents, students, community members and school employees. People have spoken adamantly to protect athletics, magnet schools and other special programs.
Teachers plan to demonstrate before today's board meeting.
These aren't the most pleasant days for Superintendent Jack Bierwirth. Early reports, however, indicate board members will follow Bierwirth's suggestions on cutting the budget. According to Bierwirth's list of recommended reductions, several positions would be eliminated in departments ranging from public information to personnel. The number of vice principals would be reduced, many full-day kindergartens would be suspended, and more than 400 school employees would be laid off by seniority, or positions eliminated through attrition. In the case of a half dozen schools, that probably would end some special programs.