Mayor, superintendent push for “yes” vote on school budget

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.

Michael Brennan (BDN file photo by John Clarke Russ)

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:

 

Seth Koenig

About Seth Koenig

Seth has nearly a decade of professional journalism experience and writes about the greater Portland region.