Cynthia Richardson

For The Oregonian/OregonLive

Richardson chairs the board of directors for Salem-Keizer Public Schools.

Last week, my colleagues on the Salem-Keizer School Board and I announced a $25 million reduction in the budget for next year, due to operating expenses far outpacing available revenue. This reduction is the second in three years and comes after the district recorded its first meaningful improvement in student outcomes since the pandemic. Just as we’re feeling hope about our momentum, we are facing growing concern about having the resources to sustain our progress.

While no one can predict our financial future, school districts know enough to begin planning. Oregon’s economy is weakening, and federal tax changes are expected to cut into the state’s revenue and

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