On day three of the Portland Public Schools teacher strike, state lawmakers representing the area sent a letter to the school board, criticizing the district's claims of financial constraints. The letter, signed by 16 lawmakers from both chambers of the state legislature, challenged the district's inability to meet the demands of the teachers' union.

The lawmakers emphasized that the new budget for the current biennium had allocated a record amount of money to public education, with a funding increase of 10%. This bolstered their argument that the district had sufficient funds to address the union's demands. The letter quoted Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero's March testimony, where he requested the state fund schools at $10.3 billion.

Lawmakers pointed out that they had achieved this funding goal, but the district's spending priorities were not aligned with classroom needs. Comparing PPS to comparable districts, they highlighted that PPS spent about 48% of their budget directly in the classroom, while similar districts allocated 55-56%. Additionally, PPS allocated approximately 6% of its budget to administration, while comparable districts spent only 2-3%. The lawmakers urged the district to prioritize classroom spending and address the issues at the bargaining table, offering a potential path for resolution.

In response to the letter, PPS provided a statement affirming the board's commitment to fiscally responsible negotiations that support educators. The district remains confident that their current offer achieves both financial responsibility and equitable rewards for teachers, and they look forward to ongoing discussions with the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT).

Simultaneously, thousands of Portland teachers gathered in front of Lincoln High School for a march to City Hall, reflecting their determination and community support. Educators and their supporters aimed to emphasize the importance of smaller class sizes and increased resources to deliver the best possible education for students.

Among those expressing solidarity with the teachers was Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, who joined the crowd in front of City Hall. Commissioner Rubio acknowledged the shared dedication of all parties involved and expressed optimism that the ongoing negotiations would yield progress.

The strike continues as both the union and the district remain engaged in bargaining discussions, exploring ways to bridge the gap between their respective positions. As the teachers rally for improved educational conditions, the hope for a resolution remains high, buoyed by widespread support from students, parents, and lawmakers alike.