PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Thousands of students in Portland Public Schools (PPS) celebrated the last day of school Friday, marking the beginning of summer break. But for many families and district leaders, the end of the academic year comes with growing concerns about the future of the state’s largest school district.
The school year wrapped up after PPS implemented furlough days as part of efforts to address ongoing budget challenges. While those measures helped provide short-term financial relief, experts say they do not solve the district’s larger, long-term issues.
“It’s a really creative solution, I guess, but it’s a temporary one,” said Ethan Sharygin, director of the Portland State University Population Research Center…