Teachers at Portland Public Schools are on strike

(NOVEMBER 2, 2023) Teachers in Portland Public Schools are on strike. They stopped working on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. This is the school's first teacher strike ever. It affects over 3,500 teachers and approximately 43,000 students. 

The teachers are striking for better pay, smaller class sizes, and more planning time. They feel that the school is not meeting their needs -- or the needs of their students. The length of the strike remains unknown. However it is expected to last for several days to possibly two weeks.

The strike is rooted in the budget. Teachers are asking for a $200 million increase in funding for various improvements. They emphasize the need for better conditions for both students and teachers. They also want to help teachers afford to live in Portland. They believe the school has the money, and it is the school's responsibility to improve working and learning conditions.

However, negotiations between the teachers and the school have not been productive. The school says the teachers' demands require big cuts to the budget. The school might have to cut teaching jobs, too. The school and the teachers disagree about these financial problems.

Most parents and community members support the teachers' cause. But some are concerned about the impact on students. As the strike continues, students will miss classes, and report card distribution may be delayed. All classes and many school activities are cancelled until the strike is over.