1. What's the Problem with Teacher Hiring in PPS?

PPS fails to prioritize hiring enough teachers, leading to overcrowded classrooms, burned-out educators, and empty essential jobs—especially in special education (SPED), English Language Learners (ESL), and STEM subjects. Instead of filling classrooms with teachers, PPS spends millions on administrators, consultants, and tech programs. At the same time, kids sit in overstuffed classrooms without the support they need.

2. What Actions Will PPS Take to Fix This?

✅ 1. Priority Hiring Resolution—Teachers First, Everything Else Second

• The PPS board will declare teacher recruitment and retention as the top administrative priority, above new tech gadgets, fancy programs, or outside consultants.

• No new spending on "extras" until every teaching vacancy is filled.

✅ 2. Targeted Hiring Surge for SPED, STEM, and Bilingual Roles

• Partner with Portland State, PCC, and local universities to pipeline graduates into PPS classrooms.

• Offer signing bonuses, relocation aid, and guaranteed job placement for high-need subjects — paid for by cutting central-office overhead.

✅ 3. "Grow Your Own" Teacher Training Program

• PPS will fully fund tuition and licensure for current paraprofessionals, community members, and classified staff to become teachers.

• Graduates commit to teaching in PPS for at least 5 years — a long-term investment in homegrown talent.

• This means training the people already working with kids to become licensed teachers.

✅ 4. 30-Day Hiring Mandate & Accountability

• Every teacher vacancy must be filled within 30 days of posting — no more endless hiring delays.

• If HR doesn't meet this target, their budget will be reallocated to classroom staff and resources — real consequences for failure.

✅ 5. Zero-Vacancy First Day Promise

• PPS will guarantee that every classroom has a teacher on the first day of school — no more empty classrooms.

• To achieve this, PPS will offer competitive signing bonuses and relocation assistance, which will be funded by eliminating bloated admin roles and pointless consultant contracts.

✅ 6. Real-Time Public Hiring Reports

• Publish monthly updates on hiring progress and remaining vacancies so the public can hold PPS accountable.

• Stop hiding behind bureaucracy — real numbers, real accountability.

3. What's the Timeline to Get This Done?

📅 Immediate (2025):

• Board passes Teacher First Priority Resolution and 30-Day Hiring Guarantee.

• Launch the "Grow Your Own" program and open applications district-wide.

• Enact admin salary freeze until hiring goals are met.

📅 Short-Term (2026):

• Reach full teacher staffing in SPED, ESL, and STEM roles.

• Begin graduating the first cohort of homegrown teachers through "Grow Your Own."

• Implement monthly public vacancy reports.

📅 Long-Term (2027+):

• Maintain zero vacancy at the start of the school year annually.

• "Grow Your Own" becomes a permanent, district-funded pipeline for future educators.

4. What About Cost — How Will PPS Afford This?

This plan relies on funds from the "Aggressive Funding" and "Smart Spending" strategies.

5. Why Not Just Wait for State or Union Negotiations?

Because kids can't wait for another round of broken promises. Every day without a teacher is a day students fall behind. PPS has the money now, but it's just sitting in the wrong parts of the budget. Union negotiations don't stop PPS from shifting funds today to fill classrooms. This is a board-level leadership issue, and we're demanding action.

6. How Will This Help Students Directly?

• Smaller class sizes so every kid gets attention.

• SPED and ESL students finally get the support they are legally entitled to.

• STEM classes are filled with qualified teachers, and science classes are no longer canceled.

• A stable teaching staff means better relationships, learning outcomes, and fewer student disruptions.