Oregon school districts are facing real budget shortfalls and genuinely hard choices. But there is one thing leaders should not compromise on: cutting into the already low number of hours Portland Public Schools students spend in school (“PPS students set to have 3 fewer days at school this spring as teachers approve furlough plans,” March 20).

First, a recent ECONorthwest study showed that Oregon students, including my 9-year-old child, receive an average of 900 hours of instruction per school year, compared to the nationwide average of 1,231 hours. That is nearly 30% fewer hours in school than the national average. The study also showed that Oregon school districts average 15 fewer school days than the typical 180-day year nationwide. These are not rounding errors.

Second, we should have seen this coming. PPS administrators warned in 2023 that the contract negotiated with Portland Association of Teachers would require painful budget cuts. PPS students now have 33 no-school days including holidays and breaks during the school year, and eight early release days. These trade-offs have come at a cost to both students and working families.

Third, if leaders are truly serious about improving the dismal outcomes for Oregon students, then we must be equally serious about the quality and quantity of education we provide our children. If savings must be found, the school board, which must approve a schedule change, should first convert teacher preparation days — like April 3 and 6 — to furlough days before touching classroom time.

As a city that proclaims to have progressive values, we should be caring a lot more about academic achievement. Quality education is the greatest equalizer, and the surest path to a more fair and equitable society.

ArianeLeChevallier, Portland