Oregon legislators hear the ‘least worst options’ for possible state education agency cuts

By Elizabeth Miller (OPB) and Tiffany Camhi (OPB)

Oregon’s state education agencies were asked to come up with plans to cut spending by 2.5% and 5%. Tough times are ahead for Oregon’s education system.

On top of district-level funding challenges brought on by declining school enrollment and rising costs, Oregon’s three largest state education agencies are looking at millions of dollars in potential cuts due to a loss in federal funding.

That’s why the Oregon Legislature gave the agencies an assignment: draw out two budget scenarios, one for a cut of 2.5% and another for 5%. Read more