SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Spending on students in the Salem-Keizer school district has increased each year for a decade, yet the school district is about $55 million short of the money it needs to maintain its current services.
That means larger class sizes, the possibility of consolidating small schools and reducing or eliminating sports and arts programs.
The Salem Journal Statesman reports that under a budget proposed by Gov. John Kitzhaber, per-pupil spending will fall to 2005 levels.
Oregon School Boards Association director Kevin McCann says the school district this year can’t rely on federal stimulus funds.