Portland Mayor Michael Brennan and Portland Public Schools Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk are on the same page about the proposed fiscal year 2014 school budget of $96.36 million. They’re both urging a “yes” vote when Portlanders go to the polls Tuesday to vote on it, and they’re holding a news conference on Monday morning to hammer that point home.
That budget represents a 3 percent increase in the education component of the city property tax rate.
Here’s what the mayor said in a Friday statement on the topic:
I encourage Portland voters to join me Tuesday in approving the school budget. Without question, this has been a difficult year with a number of challenges thrust upon us. That said, I am encouraged by the opportunities that lay ahead. Through Portland ConnectED and a number of public-private partnerships, we are building an educational platform that will support all Portland kids through graduation and post-secondary education.
This seems like a good opportunity to brush up on school finances, the mayor’s ConnectED initiative and outside forces at play. Here’s some reading on those topics that may be worthwhile as you’re considering your vote:
- City Hall says new charter school will cost existing Portland schools money (June 18, 2012)
- Mayor Brennan, business leaders launch Portland ConnectED to raise graduation rates (Feb. 25, 2013)
- Initial school budget draft invests in STEM, programs for immigrants (March 13, 2013)
- Superintendent Caulk proposes school budget that cuts 50 jobs, seeks additional concessions from teachers union (April 17, 2013)