PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Parents and staff can no longer fundraise for teachers at Portland Public Schools, the school board voted, and now there will be only one foundation spreading money across all schools in the district.
There are more than 30 foundations raising money across most of the schools in Portland Public Schools.
Some schools raise more than others ,while some don't get any money.
That may seem unfair to many, and district leaders agree, but others worry it might have a lasting negative impact on families.
Instead, you pursue a sham process,” Peter Sachs, a parent who opposes the change, said as he sat next to others supporting the change, like Grace Groom, a teacher.All school communities will have the opportunity to support all of our students through the districtwide foundation," Groom told the board.The issue revolves around the district's longstanding practice to allow local groups to fundraise for individual schools -- from Abernethy Elementary to Laurelhurst and Vernon.
Portland Public Schools data shows foundations contributed more than $2.5 million last school year. It has paid for positions like teachers and educational assistants.
Some fear, with the new policy, parents will hesitate to fundraise, causing a negative impact in the classroom, especially after more than 1,000 people signed a letter against it.
"It means we messed up. How many of those families are going to give to a districtwide foundation?” said Portland Public Schools board member Andrew Scott.
"The Buckman School Community Foundation has been an incredible way to build community within our district, and we've been able to meet new friends and families through our joint volunteer and fundraising efforts,” said Buckman Elementary School parent Niki Iverson.
However, not all schools received support, like Roseway Heights and Markham.
Some also argue schools in low-income areas end up missing out.
We know the policy is inequitable. We know it has inequitable outcomes. This is the time to change it. Not next year, not tomorrow, not in two years, but tonight,” Portland Public Schools board member Michelle DePass said.On Tuesday, Portland Public Schools board members voted 5-2 in favor of a new formula.
The nonprofit, Fund for PPA, will determine how the money is distributed districtwide. It will then be left to the board to approve it.
"This districtwide foundation will be an advocacy entity that can connect with families and the community about the needs of our schools and opportunities for resources through transparency," Groom said.
The policy received support from more than 1,400 parents, staff and the teachers' union.
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