Budget in Brief: Understanding the FY 2027 Budget

The Budget in Brief video series is designed to help families, staff, and community members better understand the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget for Portland Public Schools.

School district budgets can be complex, and many of the factors that shape them—such as state funding formulas and enrollment changes—are not always visible to the public. Through this short video series, Superintendent Ryan Scallon will walk through key topics that influence the district’s budget and provide additional context for the proposed FY27 financial plan.

Each episode will focus on a specific topic to help explain how school funding works and how budget decisions support students and schools across Portland.

Episode 1: How School Funding Works in Maine

The first episode of Budget in Brief explains how public schools in Maine are funded and why changes in enrollment, property valuation, and other factors can affect the amount of state funding a district receives.

In this episode, viewers will learn about:

• How Maine’s school funding formula works
• The role of state education aid and local property taxes in funding public schools
• Why changes in enrollment and property valuation can impact funding levels
• How these factors are influencing Portland Public Schools’ FY27 budget

This episode provides important context for understanding the financial challenges and decisions reflected in the Superintendent’s recommended budget.

Episode 2: How the Budget is Built

This second episode of Budget in Brief explains how the school budget is developed—from early planning and community engagement through final approval—and how decisions are made at both the district and school level.

In this episode, viewers will learn about:

• How the budget process unfolds over the course of the year
• How projected student enrollment helps determine staffing in schools
• How departments build budgets using a zero-based approach
• How non-personnel costs, like supplies and curriculum, are planned and adjusted
• How community input and the strategic plan shape budget priorities

This episode provides a clear overview of how the budget comes together and the factors that guide decision-making along the way.

Learn More About the FY27 Budget

The Superintendent presents the recommended FY27 budget on March 10, 2026. Community members are encouraged to review the budget materials and follow the process as the proposal moves through public discussion and review.

View FY27 Budget MaterialsRead FY27 Budget Frequently Asked QuestionsView upcoming Budget opportunities for public input