Portland Public Schools Will Tap Reserves to Plug Hole

The Portland School Board announced last night it will fill the sudden $6 million hole in the school district's 2010-11 budget with reserves. That means Portland Public Schools will use a total of $22 million in reserves for the school year that starts next week.

As a result, there will be no more cuts to staff this year. However, next year's budget will be especially difficult given the lack of ample reserves and the uncertainty of additional federal dollars. PPS's reserve fund is down to $25 million.