SALEM, Ore. — The second largest school district in Oregon is preparing for more budget cuts. In a letter to the community, the Salem-Keizer School District said it plans to cut at least $25 million next school year, due to increasing costs.

In 2024, Salem-Keizer slashed around $70 million and 400 positions. The school district said more cuts are necessary because of a growing gap between revenue and expenses.

In a letter, the district said 95% of its operating funds go toward salary and benefits. The letter adds that costs are increasing by 9% each year.

Last year, the school district narrowly avoided a teacher strike by agreeing to a two-year contract, worth $42 million. If teachers had gone on strike, schools would have been forced to close.

In a statement about the upcoming cuts,

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