Portland Public Schools’ Fundraising Shift: A Troubled Transition and What It Means for Oregon Education
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is grappling with a significant downturn in fundraising as it navigates a recent, equity-focused approach. The Fund for PPS, the district’s centralized fundraising arm, has raised just $200,000 this fiscal year, a stark contrast to the $2 to $4 million annually generated when individual schools managed their own foundations. This shift, intended to address equity concerns, is facing growing pains and raising questions about the future of school funding in Oregon.
From Local Control to Centralized Equity: The Rationale Behind the Change
In 2024, the PPS school board voted 5-2 to dismantle the previous system, where schools independently raised funds through events like auctions and jog-a-thons. The decision stemmed from concerns that this decentralized approach exacerbated inequities, with wealthier schools consistently outperforming others in fundraising. The goal was to create a more level playing field by pooling resources through the Fund for PPS and redistributing them to schools with greater needs.
The Current Reality: A Dramatic Drop in Donations
The transition hasn’t been smooth. The Fund for PPS is significantly underperforming compared to the previous system. The reduced fundraising comes at a critical time, as the district faces a $50 million budget deficit and potential cuts to 300 staff positions. While the previous system allowed schools to supplement staffing costs, the current model struggles to provide the same level of support.
Challenges Facing the Fund for PPS
The new foundation has encountered several hurdles, including staffing transitions, vacancies on its parent advisory committee, and initial operating expenses exceeding revenue. The search for a permanent executive director proved challenging, ultimately leading to the appointment of former Portland Rose Festival Chief Operating Officer Nick Brodnicki as interim director.
Brodnicki has set a goal to raise $1 million by the finish of the school year, acknowledging the significant challenge ahead. Current fundraising efforts are supporting literacy and math tutoring programs, as well as food pantries, utilizing carryover donations from the previous fundraising model.
How the New System Works: Restrictions and Redistribution
Under the new system, local school foundations can still raise funds, but they are prohibited from using those funds to cover staff salaries. Instead, they can allocate resources to items like classroom materials, events, or visiting artists. Previously, schools were required to contribute one-third of funds raised above $10,000 to the Fund for PPS for redistribution.
Rebuilding Trust and Exploring Alternative Funding Models
PPS officials are actively working to rebuild relationships with donors who expressed frustration over the changes. Board chair Jackie Wirz and other board members, along with district staff, are reaching out to PTAs to address concerns and foster renewed support. There is some early evidence of success, with a recent community appeal raising $37,000 for school food pantries during a period of reduced government assistance.
The Broader Context: Oregon’s Public Education Funding Crisis
The struggles of the Fund for PPS highlight a larger issue: Oregon’s ongoing challenges in adequately funding public education. The Duniway Foundation, a local organization, advocates for full state funding for all Oregon schools, recognizing that local fundraising efforts, while valuable, are not a sustainable solution to systemic funding gaps.
FAQ
Q: Why did Portland Public Schools change its fundraising model?
A: The change was made to address equity concerns, ensuring that all schools have access to resources, regardless of their community’s wealth.
Q: How much money has the Fund for PPS raised so far?
A: As of February 14, 2026, the Fund for PPS has raised $200,000 this fiscal year.
Q: Can local school foundations still raise money?
A: Yes, but they cannot use the funds to pay for additional staff.
Q: What is the Fund for PPS’s fundraising goal?
A: The current goal is to raise $1 million by the end of the school year.
Q: What is the role of Nick Brodnicki?
A: Nick Brodnicki is serving as the interim executive director of the Fund for PPS.
Did you know? The previous fundraising system allowed schools to raise between $2 and $4 million annually, significantly more than the current centralized model.
Pro Tip: Supporting the Fund for PPS directly contributes to equitable resource distribution across all Portland Public Schools.
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