January 14, 2015
Happy New Year! January marks the beginning of the budget development process for Portland Public Schools. During this month we will launch several initiatives designed to provide opportunities for community input in the FY16 budget development process.
The first initiative is Portland Public Schools online Neighbor-to-Neighbor Budget Toolkit. This online tool can be used by groups of neighbors, parents, co-workers, friends, family members and other community residents as an easy way to participate in the budget process. Individuals also can use the Budget Toolkit.
The Budget Toolkit can be reached through this link – /cms/One.aspx?portalId=1094237&pageId=7045466 – or can be found on the homepage of the PPS website, www.portlandschools.org.
The toolkit includes a brief introductory video that explains the budgeting process; a budget timeline; frequently asked questions; and charts showing the district’s major revenue sources and major expense categories. The toolkit also has suggested discussion questions related to the budget and an email address ( superintendent at portlandschools.org) for submitting notes from a group’s budget discussions.
As always, I welcome, appreciate, and value your input.