$134M Budget Approved By Gresham-Barlow Budget Committee

From the Gresham-Barlow School District: The Gresham-Barlow Budget Committee approved the District’s proposed budget for the 2018-19 school year on May 10.

The $134 million general fund budget is based on an $8.2 billion statewide funding level for the 2017-19 biennium.

The proposed budget maintains the District’s current educational program and includes budget enhancements. The school board will hold a public hearing on the budget prior to its June 7 board meeting.

At the board meeting, the school board will vote on adopting the budget.

“Thanks to careful planning, the school district is able to make budget enhancements in key areas,” said Superintendent Katrise Perera. “The proposed budget includes much-needed curriculum adoptions, additional staffing to improve instruction, and the expansion of a program with a proven track record of closing the achievement gap.”

Enhancements in the 2018-19 proposed budget are designed to aid the district in achieving three priorities identified through an academic audit of the school district.

Gresham-Barlow School District Priorities

• Build and implement a framework that defines and aligns curriculum and assessment in academic areas, social-emotional learning, and digital literacy.
• Build and implement systems that give students a voice and make them feel comfortable, appreciated and understood.
• Build and implement a framework that is committed to high-quality, effective instructional practices.

The proposed budget includes additional staffing at the elementary school level due to high class sizes. It also allows the District to invest in curriculum adoptions in the areas of health, science, and English language development.

The adoptions will provide teachers with updated digital and hard copy resources aligned with state standards.

The District is proposing expanding the AVID Program (Advancement via Individual Determination) and beginning to offer it at the elementary level.

The program prepares students for college readiness and success in today’s world.

The core of the program places a special emphasis on growing writing, critical thinking, teamwork, organization and reading skills.

The proposed budget allows the District to continue to invest in high quality instructional practices that use technology to enhance learning.

Funds are designated to provide teachers with support as they incorporate the use of student devices and digital curriculum to maximize learning.

Read Superintendent Perera’s Budget Message View the 2018-19 proposed budget on the Budget Information Webpage

School Board hearing on the budget:

June 7 from 6:45 to 7 p.m. at the School District Office, 1331 N.W. Eastman Parkway in Gresham.

School Board meeting to adopt budget:

June 7, 7 p.m., at the School District Office.

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